Captain Harold Hickman planted his last row of collards in early October. He didn’t eat collards himself, but grew them for family and friends. Shortly afterwards, he succumbed to a brief illness and passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on October 14, 2018.

Harold was born December 19, 1925 in Wilmington, NC, the youngest son of Henry Hickman and Bell Jenrette Hickman. He spent many of his younger years at Hickman’s Crossroads/Calabash and developed a love of the outdoors at an early age. During WWII, Harold served as a medic in the Pacific Theater and celebrated the war’s end from the Island of Iwo Jima. After the war, he returned to his home and wife, Virginia. Together they raised three children, and Harold was an exemplary father and mentor. After WWII, he began a long career of public service, culminating in serving as Director of Safety and Security at Sunny Point Military Terminal. In addition, he was active in community affairs, serving as PTA President of Shallotte School and Master of Masonic Lodge 563 in Tabor City. He was a life-long member of Andrews Chapel Methodist Church.

After retiring, Captain Harold obtained his Captain’s License and became a popular fishing guide in the Calabash area and continued to lead parties well into his late seventies. A gifted story teller with a sharp memory, he authored the only contemporary history of Calabash, The Spirit of Living in Calabash.

During his long retirement, Harold was noted for his daily visits to elderly neighbors around Hickman’s Crossroads. He delivered fresh fish he’d caught, home cooked food, or fresh vegetables from his enormous gardens. He especially enjoyed teaching grandsons how to cultivate vegetables.

The collards Harold planted last week in many ways reflect his philosophy of life. He often said that his eulogy would be reflected more by the life that he had lived than any words spoken at his funeral. His collard crop was about caring for family and neighbors. He’ll long be remembered by many for his selfless and caring nature.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda (former WBHS teacher) of the home, his children, Jennifer MacLeod of Myrtle Beach, SC, Ron and Marcia Hickman of Marietta, Georgia and Dan and Susan Hickman of Wilmington, NC and his step-children, Tracy and Charles Deaton and Brad Clymer of Reidsville, NC. Captain Harold is also survived by ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6 PM – 8 PM on Tuesday evening, Oct 16, 2018 at Brunswick Funeral Service, 5229 Ocean Hwy W, Shallotte, NC

A funeral service will be held at Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church, 1090 Hickman Rd NW, Ash, NC at 11 AM on Wed, Oct 17, 2018. Following the service Capt Harold will be buried at Whispering Pines Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the (Non-Profit) Whispering Pines Cemetery % BB&T Bank, 10027 Beach Drive SW, PO Box 4037, Calabash, NC 28467.