Phil Harold Hickman of South Charleston, WV was called to his eternal home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and reunited with his best friend and loving wife Patti on January 11, 2026 after battling the complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 72.
Phil was the son of the late Edison and Katherine Hickman of South Charleston. Phil was born and raised in Spring Hill, where he grew up with his brothers on Vine Street and attended Bethel Baptist Church. A 1971 graduate of South Charleston High School, Phil married his high school sweetheart, Patricia “Patti” Ann in 1972 and resided in South Charleston where they would go on to celebrate 53 wonderful years of marriage. Together they raised a beautiful family prioritizing God first. Phil’s early work life started in the cardiac cath lab at Thomas Hospital, where he learned the beauty of saving lives. Phil then spent a decades long career in the chemical industry, working for multiple companies in the Kanawha valley before retiring in 2009. Phil was a diligent worker, no matter what the task. His sons recognized that at an early age, which taught them a strong work ethic to this day. Phil’s greatest accomplishment was his dedication to God and devotion to his marriage and family. Phil worked long, tiring hours, maintained his home – he could fix anything! – and still found time to spend with Patti and his sons. Whether helping solve the everyday problems boys face while growing up, traveling to his sons’ sporting events, beach vacations, trips to NJ, camping trips, attending WVU football games or simply reminding us to say our prayers, Phil found a way to be present and always put his family before himself. He especially loved being promoted to “Pappy” and reminisced often about the good times he spent with family in Ohio, Rock Lake Pool, Little Creek Park, Mountaineer Field and Wrightsville Beach. He also enjoyed winding his antique grandfather clocks. Phil had a God given stamina for his family. He would never stop when needed and even saved lives. As grown men, Phil’s sons frequently asked their ‘ole dad for advice and he was quick to be there to help.
Phil dearly loved his daughters-in-law and was so proud to treat them like daughters of his own. Phil cherished his two grandsons. He would light up whenever he saw them and would have done anything for them. Dad, thank you for “training up your children in the way they should go; even when they are old, they will not depart from it.” -Proverbs 22:6
Phil is preceded in death by his parents, brother Judd and wife Patti. Phil is survived by his brothers, Edison “Ned” Hickman II of Evans, David Hickman (Cheryl) of Daniels, loving sons Brian Hickman (Jennifer) of Hurricane, Joe Hickman (Heather) of Bridgeport and his grandsons Zachary and Luke whom he loved with all his heart. Phil is also survived by his mother-in-law, Joyce Mathena and sister-in-law Brenda Rader. Phil also loved the Fultz family, thank you for your enduring friendship over all these decades! The family would like to thank the staff of Sweetbriar Assisted Living for their kind and compassionate care these last several months. Phil will be missed dearly by his family and friends, but his legacy of love will live on forever in our hearts.
A tribute to the life of Phil will be at 1:00 PM Saturday January 17, 2026 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or The American Heart Association.
