William Hicks

William (Bill) James Hicks Jr. age 80 of Malta, Montana, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024 with his family by his side.

Bill was born December 5, 1944 in Butte, Montana, the son of William and Evelyn (Smith) Hicks. He was raised one of 3 children in the family. He attended school in Butte during his younger years. He was involved in football, basketball, track and baseball, graduating from Butte High in 1963. He was also a member of Grace Methodist Church. He attended Montana School of Mines playing basketball, football, and track, later transferring to Rocky Mountain College on a baseball scholarship. He graduated from Rocky Mountain College in 1968 with a BS in PE/History. During summers he worked as a firefighter for the US Forest Service.

Bill met Joan Nunn at Rocky Mountain College and soon were united in marriage on September 2, 1967 in Miles City, Montana. He taught PE/History, and coached for 5 years before going into retail for 36 ½ years. He owned the Ben Franklin store in Malta for 23 years. Afterwards, he worked at Albertsons, Coca-Cola and Westside. Lastly, he enjoyed his job as a member of the city council. He also contributed to the community by serving as an EMT.

He thoroughly enjoyed his many hobbies, including bowling, golf, coffee group, playing cards, supporting community sports, and being involved in his children's / grandchildren's / activities. Bill was a merchant member, served on the hospital board, Malta Chamber of Commerce, served as a Malta Public Schools board member, and was a trustee at the Little White Church.

Bill never met a stranger. He was a fun loving, kind hearted, caring, wise, gentle, hardworking, humble man, and had the best sense of humor. He always offered words of wisdom.

He is survived by his wife Joan of Malta, MT; his son William (Will) L. Hicks of Aurora, CO; daughter Annette (Bryan) Benton of Malta, MT; The 2 lights of his life, Dayton Hicks and Bridger Benton (grandsons) of Malta, Mt and many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law Jean Nunn, Irma Fowle, brothers-in-law Gene Nunn and Mike Green. He was proceeded in death by his parents William and Evelyn Hicks, sisters Myrtle Lancaster and Virginia Green, brother-in-laws Joe Lancaster, Larry Nunn, Rik Fowle, sister-in-law Donna Nunn, father and mother-in-law Leighton and Mildred Nunn, grandson Noah Hicks, and bonus daughter Mikey Nevrivy.

Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Hicks, please visit our floral store.