Kenneth Hicks, Jr.
Aug 26, 2050 – Jan 01, 2009
Kenneth Edward Hicks, Jr., 58, passed away at his Lake Anna residence in Mineral, VA Wednesday, December 31, 2008. Kent was a native of Hillsboro, NC, a member of Eno United Methodist Church, a graduate of Elon College, Elon, NC and he served his country in the United States Navy as a corpsmen. He has been a resident of the Staunton area since 1980 and co-creator of Belle Grae Inn & Restaurant in historic Newtown Staunton, VA. Mr. Hicks was also a partner in City Inns Unlimited which is credited for 33 historic restorations in the historic district of Staunton, VA. He was a noted chef in the Staunton area since 1983 and recognized in national publications including Southern Living and Gourmet Magazines.
Kent is survived by Michael Organ, his life time partner of 30 years of Staunton, VA; his sister, Kim Rodriguez, her husband Robert, nephews Jared and Jan Robert Rodriguez and niece Rudi Rodriguez all of Val Rico, FL, and his extended family, Dawn Pryor, Shawn Williams, Jamie and Natasha Tate, Gail Smith and The Mushroom Sisters” Portobello and Shiitake.
He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Mary Lou Hicks of Hillsboro NC.
Friends are invited to celebrate Kent’s life at Belle Grae Inn on Saturday January 17 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Belle Grae GROWING Center P.O. Box 1307 Staunton VA 24402-1307 or to a charity of your choice.
Visit www.woodwardfuneral.com for online guestbook.
Michael, We are so very sorry for your loss. You and Ken have spent a lifetime of building and creating wonderful historic renovations for the Staunton area, Florida and Lake Anna. Together you have also built many freindships with wonderful people all over the globe. As time goes on the heartache of your loss will be replaced with the fond memories of the many contributions you have made together to your community and your family and friends. We will help you remember the good times and love and support you emotionally during the tough times ahead. Ken wants you to continue eing the best that you can be”. We think you are the best and he was the best too.Love Harry Jane and Sarah”
Michael,I was shocked to just hear of Ken`s passing and am deeply saddened by it and your loss. Ken was a valuable member of our community and will be missed.If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.Fondly,Angie
Mike, Jane Finch shared with us the loss of Ken, your lifelong partner. We are so sorry to hear about his death. I do not believe we ever met him, but Jane and Harry always told us what a wonderful person he was, and what a great relationship you had together. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Hope to catch us with you in Florida this Winter. Fondly, Bernie and Charlie
Michael,I`m shocked to hear about Ken, I`m sorry for your loss. It was always such a pleasure working for you and Ken, I always remember my time at the Belle Grae fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Belle Grae family.Warmest regards,Matthew Coffman
Michael,We were all so shocked and saddened by the news of Ken`s death, and we are so sorry for your loss. We are praying that your many fond memories will help ease your pain in the coming months. Ken was an amazing person–talented, hard-working, efficient, and passionate. He has left an incredible legacy, and those of us who knew him are better for it. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.Love, Susan and Kip, Jackson and Zoe
Michael,I was so sorry to hear on Friday of Kens passing. I know this is certainly a difficult time for you and the Belle Grae family. I am sure you will cherish the memories that the two of you shared forever. I certainly will not forget all the great times the boys from Staunton shared with the both of you whether at the lake house or around the Inn. The pain from the death of a loved one never goes away but will ease with time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Michael, My parents shared with me the sad news of Ken`s passing. Please know my thoughts are with you and I wish you peace and the warm comfort of friends. I am so sorry for your loss. With love and a heavy heart, Kelly Huston Ralston
Michael,We read with great sorrow of the passing of Ken on New Years Eve. We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss and that you should not hesitate to call us if there is anything we can do to ease your burden. You know that you have all our love and support. Otis & Suzy
Michael… oh, dear one… I am deeply saddened to hear that you and WE have lost Ken. He meant so much to this community, but clearly it all pales to what he meant… and will continue to mean to you, dear friend. You did all a person could do for him, with all the love you have, and that is all any of us can do. Such tough stuff… you are in my prayers. I will come by soon to give you a hug and an open ear. They say that Jesus wept… so do we.Love,Pam
Michael, I was shocked and saddened by the news of Ken`s passing. I have a lot of fond memories of my time at the Belle Grae. Both of you were always very good to me and I learned a lot about the Bed and Breakfast business from the two of you. May God be with you and comfort you in your time of loss.
I was sorry to read about Ken. He went to school with me in Hillsborough. He was a good friend to my brother, Stuart, and my sisters, Kathy and Lois. We would all go dancing when he was home. He always stopped by our house. I didn`t know what happened to Ken after I left NC. I was so happy to see that he was so successful and happy. I am so sorry for you but I know you have many wonderful memories of your very full and fun life. God Bless.Deborah Horne Kuypers
Dear Michael, We were sorry to hear of the death of your partner, Ken. Our prayers and best wishes are with you.