Robert "Bob" Thurman Hicks

Robert "Bob" Thurman Hicks, 82, of Kernersville passed away on July 29, 2026 under the care of Kate B Reynolds Hospice House in Winston-Salem. Born in Pageland, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Thurman and Leonora (Deese) Hicks and husband to Brenda Teague Hicks.

Bob grew up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, where some of his earliest and happiest memories were made playing baseball alongside his two brothers. His talent for the game took him to Western Carolina University on a baseball scholarship, where he served as captain of the baseball team and left his mark on the program, holding the record for the longest hit. His leadership extended beyond the baseball field as president of Theta Xi fraternity. But his most meaningful experience at Western Carolina was meeting the woman who would become his wife and partner in life.

Bob built a remarkable 39-year career as an Allstate insurance agent. Over nearly four decades, he earned numerous achievements and accolades, but his career was about far more than awards. He built lasting relationships with the people he served, many of whom became friends, and took great pride in being someone his customers could know, trust, and depend upon.

His faith in Christ was an important part of his life. Bob was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Kernersville, where he served as a Deacon and was a member of the GoForth Sunday School class.

Bob also believed deeply in giving back to the community he called home. He was a longtime member of the Kernersville Lions Club and served on the Board of Directors of the Shepherd’s Center, generously giving his time and leadership to organizations dedicated to helping others.

And then there was golf. An avid golfer, Bob looked forward to his weekly tee times with good friends. While he loved the game and the competition, the score was never the most important part. It was the friendships, conversations, laughter, and hours spent together on the course that he treasured most. His love of golf became something he shared across generations, and he especially cherished seeing his granddaughter develop her own passion for the game.

Bob’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He was deeply devoted to his wife, daughter, granddaughter, and a close-knit extended family who remained an important part of his life. Family gatherings, trips, and time spent together were among his most treasured moments. He especially enjoyed traveling with the “girls” in his family, never once complaining about being the only man along for the journey. Instead, he embraced those times with patience, humor, and generosity.

Throughout his life, whether on a baseball field, behind his desk, at church, serving his community, or being with his family, Bob had a gift for building relationships that lasted. His legacy can be found not only in his accomplishments, but in the people whose lives were made better simply because they knew him.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Brenda Hicks; his daughter, Amy Linville; his granddaughter, Caroline Linville; his brother, Jerry Hicks (Judy B.); and his sister-in-law, Judy I. Hicks.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Mickey Hicks.

Funeral services celebrating Bob's life will be held at First Baptist Church, 401 Oakhurst St, Kernersville, NC 27284 on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 11:00AM. The family will receive friends following the service. Interment will be held at a later date at Eastlawn Gardens of Memory in Kernersville, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to First Baptist Church and/or Trellis Supportive Care.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook online at www.piercejeffersonfh.com