Howard James Hicks, 90, of 6315 Potts Creek Road, Covington, Virginia, died Friday January 20, 2012 at his residence.

He was born on September 9, 1921 in Alleghany County, the son of late Jesse and Vinna Tucker Hicks.

Mr. Hicks retired in 1983 as a Kiln Operator after 37 years at MeadWestvaco. He also served in the Army during World War II in Europe.

Mr. Hicks was also a member of the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Trudy Hicks; two daughters, eight sisters, three brothers, a granddaughter, and a great granddaughter.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Arnetta Tingler Hicks of Covington; five sons, Jim and Joann Hicks of Louisville, KY, Beaver and Jennifer Hicks, Tinker and Marla Hicks, Rocky and Frances Hicks, and Darrell and Phoebe Hicks, all of Covington; four daughters, Barbara Sullivan of Summerville, SC, Belva and Sherman Brookman, Sherry and Darel Wolfe, and Linda and Kenny Jones, all of Covington. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Shug.

The funeral service was held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at the graveside in Lone Star Cemetery with Rev. Donnie Bowker officiating.

Military rites were conducted by Curtis A. Smith Post #1033, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family received friends from 7:00 to 8:30 Monday night in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers were Dusty Hicks, Travis Hicks, Brad Hicks, Johnny Hicks, James Hicks, Little Rocky Hicks, Logan Hicks, Little Beaver Hicks, Derrick Wolfe, Shey Patton, Austin Patton, Brain Jones, Kevin Carson, Allen Atkins, Bob Howard.

Arrangements were handled by Arritt Funeral Home.