Harley Ray Hickman, 87, passed away at his home on January 17, 2026. He was born on May 9, 1938 in the White Oak Mountain area of Cleveland, TN to Charlie June and Nellie Grace Lawson Hickman. He was raised in the Avondale area of Chattanooga and was a 1957 graduate of Kirkman Vocational High School.

Mr. Hickman was married to the love of his life, the former Novis L. Hale, on February 12, 1966 in Chattanooga, TN. They spent 60 wonderful years together. He was a member, door greeter, and Deacon of Maple Grove Baptist Church in Harrison, TN. He and his wife enjoyed working in their yards, going to church, attending Gospel singing together, and of course ALL the grandchildren. He was definitely a family man.

SMSGT Hickman held several jobs in Chattanooga, including Dupont where he and Novis met. He joined the United States Air Force and served 26 and one half years. SMSGT Hickman served proudly as an Electrician in Germany and Vietnam and was stationed with his family at Eglin AFB (FL) and Wurtsmith AFB (MI). He then shifted his career to USAF Recruiting where he added numerous awards to his outstanding military record. His recruiting career began at Lackland AFB (TX) in 1973 and was assigned to Cleveland, TN. Shortly thereafter, he continued on to Warner Robins AFB (GA) and Little Rock AFB (AR). He retired in 1985 and moved back to Eglin AFB in Valparaiso, FL where he worked for civil service as base housing inspector until he returned to his beloved Tennessee in 2003.

Mr. Hickman was preceded in death by his father and mother, Charlie and Nellie Hickman; siblings, Robert (Evelyn) Hickman, Gladys Poe, Lavada (Clyde) Vanore, Glen (Betty) Hickman, Alice (Kenneth) Carswell, Dossie Hickman, Dale (Geri) Hickman, and Charlie Hickman, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Novis H. Hickman; children, Thomas Lee (Cindy) Hickman, Sherry (Elvan) Brooks, and Nancy (Ken Broyles) Elphingstone; grandchildren, Melissa (Kevin) Green, Kristy (Jeff) Robb, Jeff Hickman, Travesse Richardson, Rachel Richardson, Brook (Mitchell) Barker, Beth (Josh) Petree, and Ryan (Hannah) Elphingstone; twelve great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren, as well as many well-loved nephews and nieces.  Last but not least, beloved pets, Brownie, Thumper, Chester, Samantha, Prissy, and Ginger.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Turner Funeral Home.  A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ronnie Dotson and Pastor Gary Higgins officiating.

SMSGT Hickman will be laid to rest in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Please share your memories and express condolences to the family on their guestbook.