Charles “Vernie” Lavern Hicks, 67, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on December 14, 2023, after a sudden decline due to cancer. Charles was born on May 15, 1956, to Joseph and Mary “Bo” Rose Hicks in Knoxville, TN, and was one of eight children. He attended Young High School in Knoxville, where he played football (#77) and kindled his life-long passion for sports.

Charles enlisted in the Army at 17 years old. In 1976, he married his first wife, and they went on to have two children, Matthew and Ashley. He served in the military for almost 21 years, specializing in chemical operations, retiring from the Army at 38 with an honorable discharge. During his time in the military, he served in the demilitarized zone in Korea (1983), was stationed with his family in Germany (1984-1989), participated in Operation Desert Storm during his Gulf War service in Kuwait (1990), and served on Johnston Island (1993-1994). For the latter half of his military career, he was stationed mainly at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Iron Rakkasans.” Charles was known for taking care of the younger members of his unit, no matter what they needed or when they needed it. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in a combat zone or meritorious service in a war zone, among his many service commendations and achievements.

After retiring from the military, Charles went on to receive a Bachelors degree at Austin Peay State University and his Masters degree in Recreation Management at University of Tennessee Knoxville. After finishing his degree, he worked as the Director of the Parks Department in Johnson City, Tennessee, He continued working in active positions for the rest of his career. In 2010, Charles met his soon-to-be wife Dena Shumate at the World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, where they both worked as members of the Park Patrol team. They married on December 20, 2011. After he and Dena retired, they enjoyed several years of the RV life.

Charles loved the Vols, and his wardrobe was more UT Orange than not. He never met a vehicle he didn’t consider owning. Although he could often be on the quiet and more reserved side, his love language was “aggravating” all his dearest friends and family. Charles was always willing to help his loved ones when called upon. Throughout his life, Charles spent much of his free time watching football, basketball, baseball, softball, and other team sports. He preferred amateur sports to professional and loved going to a live game. After retirement, he travelled extensively to cheer, support, and sideline coach at the Shumate grandsons’ many ballgames. One of his greatest joys in life was being Pop Pop to his beloved granddaughter Veda.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Ricky Hicks, Butch Hicks, Lisa Hicks, Patricia Stinnett, and brother-in-law Hubert Finger. He is survived by his loving wife of 12 years Dena Shumate Hicks, his children Matthew Hicks (Nicole Anderson) and Ashley Hicks (Rae Houseman), his granddaughter Veda Hicks, his stepsons Danny (Crystal) Shumate and Derek (Samantha) Shumate, grandsons Blake, Caleb, Mason, and Joshua Shumate, his siblings Brenda (James) Gilland, Nancy Finger, Vondas Hicks, sister-in-law Sandy Hicks, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920, on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 8:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a savings fund for his granddaughter Veda Hicks.

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