It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Wallace Hicks III, ‘Big Jay’ on June 21, 2026. A loving husband, beloved father, and cherished grandfather, Jay will be missed by all that knew him.

His Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the Chapel.

Born on December 24th, 1953, in Panama City, FL, Jay was the only son of the late Col. Joseph Wallace Hicks, Jr., and  the late Juanita Owens Hicks. He graduated from London Central High School in 1972 before earning a degree in Political Science from The Citadel.

His infectious laugh could light up any room, and his kind, giving nature made a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know him. He loved to have a good time and was always ready with a playful joke or trick for his children and grandchildren.

Jay is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Rebecca Stogner Hicks of Bonneau, SC; his children Laurie Hicks Thomy and her husband James Joseph Thomy, Jr., of Raleigh NC; Courtney Hicks Arnold and her husband Andrew Gilbert Arnold, of Mount Pleasant, SC; John Christopher Hicks and his partner Kaitlin Clark of Aiken, SC. His legacy continues through his four grandchildren Catherine Owens Thomy, Elizabeth Ashton Thomy, Caroline James Thomy and Andrew Gilbert Arnold Jr. Jay is also survived by sister Sandy Hicks Helfer of Columbia SC and her children Kelly Kissiah and Justin Daniel Helfer and their families of Columbia SC.

Arrangements are entrusted to J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.