Celebration of Life Set for Ronald Hicks
RONALD HICKS
December 30, 1951 ~ February 1, 2024 “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me”
RONALD HICKS of Williamsville, New York, entered into eternal rest on February 1, 2024.
The celebration of Mr. Hick’s life commenced on Friday, February 9, 2024 as he lie in repose from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 184 Goodell Street, Buffalo, NY, where friends visited, and again on Saturday, February 10 at 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m.
RONALD HICKS was born on December 30, 1951 in Buffalo, New York to Udell Hicks, Sr. and Lucille (Colston) Hicks. Ron was the second of seven children born to their union. Ron showed leadership qualities from an early age.
Raised in the church, Ronald confessed his belief in Christ at an early age and became a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend E.D. McNeely. Ron loved to sing, and as an active member of the Friendship Youth and Young Adult Choir, he shone as a lead vocalist, proudly sticking his chest out while he belted out the song “Jesus, Be a Fence All Around Me Every Day.” Later in life, Ron became a member of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend Michael Chapman, where he served as a member of the Trustee Board.
At the young age of six, Ron survived a horrific car accident, which took him months to recuperate from and forced him to wear a black eye patch for months during his healing process. Though he at times struggled academically, his perseverance, determination, and fortitude enabled him to overcome whatever obstacles were in his path.
Intelligent and energetic, Ronald was a natural athlete, especially excelling in track and field and football. In high school, he was a member of the East High School “Eastonians” Football Team. His exemplary football skills earned him an athletic scholarship to Central State University, an Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where he proudly excelled both athletically and scholastically.
Naturally gifted, from the time that Ron had his own newspaper route, while at the same time being an avid member of the 4H Club, he had always loved finance and working with numbers. He possessed a natural business acumen. These innate skills served him well and, in 1974, he proudly graduated from Central State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration. One of the highlights of his life was walking across that university’s stage with his degree in hand and later excitedly exclaiming, “Look at me now Mom!
Ron was thrilled when he was blessed to become a young father. Ronald Douglas Hicks was born on February 18, 1969. Along with the help of loving grandparents, they all worked to ensure that young Ron was raised with a strong educational, spiritual, and moral foundation and that he wanted for nothing.
Ron’s personality loomed large. His presence and charisma would fill any room that he occupied, and he always lived fully in his space. He exhibited many stellar characteristics of perseverance, steadfastness, determination, resilience, honesty, confidence, and dependability, all essential attributes that would serve him greatly throughout his life and career.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed…” II TIMOTHY 2:15
Always assertive and aggressive in pursuing his goals, Ronald started his employment career with Equitable Insurance Corporation in September of 1976. At that time, he could not have dreamed or even imagined that, not only would he eventually wind up spending an illustrious and unprecedented 48-year career at this same company, Equitable, but he would also rise up to become the best in his field of work! A trailblazing history maker, the longevity of his career is unmatched in the history of Upstate New York!
On August 11, 2000, Ronald married the love of his life, Rosemary (Ealy) Hicks. They were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Amanda Rose, who sadly passed away in infancy. Heartbroken, Ron and Rose carried their little princess’ precious memory in their hearts forever.
During their wonderful 24 year marriage, Ron and Rosemary worked tirelessly together. They were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and lived their lives to the fullest. Whether this dynamic duo chose enjoying each other’s company at their magnificent home, entertaining friends and family with their renowned cookouts, or taking advantage of the ability to travel and take numerous vacations around the world at their leisure, they acknowledged, honored and appreciated each other and their bountiful blessings.
Ron was inducted into the Equitable Advisors Hall of Fame in 1989. In addition to his Hall of Fame recognition, he won numerous awards for his hard work and positive impact on others’ lives in the financial services industry. He was awarded an incredible 41 National Leaders Corps Awards; he was honored ten times as the President’s Cabinet Award winner; he received five Hallmark Awards for production and 19 Centurion Awards. Ron was also featured and honored in 40 Buffalo News Prospectus annual publications of The Million Dollar Roundtable. According to Ron’s manager at Equitable, Lou Nuchereno:
“These are all high-level performance awards that only a select few Advisors ever achieve. Ron’s dedication to his clients and career was unmatched by anyone during that long period of time. He also mentored many young Advisors over the years, many of whom are still with Equitable and the Buffalo Office. Ron will be missed by all at Equitable. He was a fixture and a role model of consistency for those who knew him. We salute Ron for all he accomplished, and for the lives he had a positive influence on.”
Along with his work affiliation, in 1992 Ron became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Theta Sigma Chapter. He was an active, valued, honored and well-respected member since his joining. Over his 32-year membership, he spearheaded many initiatives and held many essential leadership positions including Treasurer, Director of Bigger and Better Business, Director of Social Action, Scholarship Committee Chairman, and Scholarship Golf Committee Chairman. Ronald Hicks was also named the 2016 Sigma of the Year. He was a charter member of the Scrugg-Heslip Foundation, Inc. as well as an active member of the foundation’s board. His work and momentous efforts in the causes of Sigma will be sorely missed.
In honor of his parents, Ronald proudly established the Udell and Lucille Hicks Family Scholarship which has been awarded annually to Buffalo Public School graduating seniors to be used toward the pursuit of their post secondary degrees. The Buffalo Public School Board President, Sharon Belton Cottman wrote:
“My heart bleeds for you and your family. Ron was a treasure to our community and district. He empowered so many and made a difference! I pray for peace beyond all understanding. May his soul rest in peace. Peace and Love.”
Ron was a shining example of a man of integrity. He was respected and revered by so many people who he faithfully served as their Financial Advisor. He stood tall with people from all walks of life, and he could comfortably communicate with and rub elbows with kings and queens, as well as with common folks.
Affectionately called “Ronnie” by his close friends and loved ones, Ron loved his family deeply and unconditionally, and they loved him deeply and unconditionally in return. He was a hero to his son, sisters, brother, nieces and nephews. He was very protective of each and every one of them and encouraged them to strive to be the very best that they could be. Guided by his example, many family members have excelled and are highly respected in their chosen fields of endeavor. His constant mantra that he drilled into everyone he knew and loved was “Please, get your business in order!”
Ron transitioned suddenly and unexpectedly from this earthly life on February 1, 2024. Preceding him in death were his daughter, Amanda Rose Hicks; his father, Udell Hicks, Sr.; his mother, Lucille Colston Hicks, and his brother, Udell Hicks, Jr.
Ronald Hicks leaves footprints of love and precious memories in the hearts of his beloved and devoted wife Rosemary; his son Ronald D. Hicks; three sisters: Brenda Hicks-Russell, Cynthia (Eddie) Russell, and Beverly (Jerome) Johnson; one brother, Dwight (Yvette) Hicks; a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; hundreds of cousins who hail from throughout the world’s diasporas, and many loving, caring, and lifelong friends.
Ronald Hicks was an amazing financial genius, helping thousands of his clients to plan, implement, and establish their prosperous financial future. He was also a great community leader, organizer, trailblazer, and history maker on multiple fronts.
“Rest Well King Ronald. You Have Earned Your Eternal Crown”
Interment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Services provided by THOMAS T. EDWARDS FUNERAL HOME, INC. Please share condolences online at: thomastedwardsfuneralhome.com
