Lee Herbert Hicks, Jr. entered eternal rest in the early hours of Saturday, February 18, 2023. He was the youngest of five children born to the late Lee Herbert Hicks, Sr. and Carrie Lee Crews Hicks. He was preceded in death by his sisters Dorothy Hicks Davis and Mary Hicks Geiger, brothers Willie Hicks and James Hicks. He was born in Wendell, NC and the family moved to Raleigh when he was 3 years old. He graduated from J.W. Ligon High School in 1955 and he joined the US Navy that same year where he received training in Optical Technology. Upon his discharge he went to work at White Optical Laboratories, Inc. in Durham. He worked there as an Optical Technologist, the occupation he loved until his retirement after 30 years. During these years, he also earned an associate degree in business at Durham Technical Institute.
His joined Martin Street Baptist Church at an early age. After he moved to Durham, he joined Union Baptist Church where remained a member until his death.
Herb was very talented, with impressive skills in carpentry/woodwork and automotive mechanics. He was very motivated, largely self-taught and because of his mechanical skills the family cars never went to a repair shop.
He built a custom walnut coffee table as a wedding gift for Evelyn. He also single handedly, built a beautiful, large wooden storage house with windows and a shingled roof, in the backyard of his first house. It still stands and looks as good as new. He was a perfectionist in his work, and he would “fix” any problem that he encountered around his home. He was a mentor to his nephew Radjuel and inspired him to pursue a career as an automotive mechanic with Honda in Raleigh.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 56 years, Evelyn Walston Hicks, his beloved daughter Martina E. Hicks of Raleigh, NC; Sister-in-laws Mae Hall Hicks of Durham and Cleo Walston of Salisbury, MD; Brother-in-law Martin N. Walston (Elizabeth) of Durham; a large extended family consisting of 5 nieces, Deryl Davis-Fulmer (Jerry) of Durham; Psyche Davis of Smyrna, TN; Crystal Carroll (Eric) and Maritza Hicks all of Raleigh; Lonette Hicks (Larry White) of Durham; 4 nephews: Grady Davis, Jr. (Velma), Radjuel Geiger (Earline) all of Raleigh; Mahatma Gandhi Davis of Milwaukee, WS; Martin Q. Walston (Marlo) of Durham; 12 great nieces and nephews and 9 great, great nieces and nephews.
Herbert was a quiet, peaceful, always helpful and kind man who was dearly loved and will be forever missed.

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.”