Cecil Ray Hicks, age 89, of Dade City, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Zephyrhills, Florida. Born on April 14, 1937, in Andalusia, Alabama, Cecil was the son of the late William Curtis Hicks and Darrie Creel Hicks. One of thirteen children, he was raised with the strong values of hard work, family, and faith that he carried throughout his life.

Cecil made his home in both Dade City, Florida, and Andalusia, Alabama over the years. He retired from Lykes Pasco Packing Company after many dedicated years of service. Outside of work, Cecil found his greatest joy in the outdoors. An avid bass fisherman through and through, he could often be found in a boat on the lake any day of the week. Fishing was more than a pastime—it was his passion. He was a proud member of several bass fishing tournament clubs throughout the years, most recently the Pond Jumpers, and he proudly held the memory of catching his largest bass weighing an impressive 13.25 pounds.

In addition to fishing, Cecil was a talented gardener who took great pride in growing his own vegetables. Family and friends especially looked forward to the boiled peanuts he made each year from his harvest. Whether he was working outside or simply sitting outdoors enjoying the day, Cecil felt most at home surrounded by nature.

Known affectionately as “Papa,” Cecil will be remembered as a loyal family man, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was hardworking, patient, kind-hearted, and always carried a good sense of humor that made others feel at ease.

He is survived by his sons, Tony Lamar Hicks of Dade City, Florida, and Lonnie Gene Hicks of Dade City, Florida; grandchildren, Kristina Kassabaum, Kevin Hicks, Adam Hicks, Mark Hicks, Kaeleigh Hicks, Jason Hicks, and great-grandchildren, McKenzie Hicks, Natalie Kassabaum, Nolan Kassabaum, Kye Hicks, Laykin Hicks, Keeley Kassabaum, and Kenah Daniel. He is also survived by his sister, Wilmer Ellen “Polly” Smith of Andalusia, Alabama; his brother, John “Huey” Hicks of Weirsdale, Florida; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Cecil was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy “Fay” Foshee Claverie, who passed away on December 17, 1999; his son, Melvin Ray Hicks, who passed away on November 4, 2021; and his siblings, Emily Irene Hicks, Kelsey Curtis “Ted” Hicks, Cleveland Hicks, William Robert Hicks, Mary Gladys Hicks, Grady Thomas Hicks, Roy Cecil Hicks, Sarah Maude Daughtery, Margaret Louise Hicks, John Wesley Hicks, and Annie Merle Hicks.

A service to honor and celebrate Cecil’s life will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, located at 37623 Magnolia Avenue, Dade City, Florida 33525. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service.