Mr. Charles Franklin Hickman, 81, of Lumberton, NC, passed away Monday, December 12, 2022, at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC after a short illness. He was born in Robeson County, NC on May 24, 1941 to the late Bruce & Marie Hickman.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Hickman, and his sister, Yvonne Mercer.

He is survived by three sons: Michael Hickman and wife Kathleen of Durham, NC and Steve Hickman and wife Joy and Kevin Hickman and wife Jennifer, both of Lumberton, NC; his sisters: Kay Bennett of Lumberton, NC and Carolyn Stubbs of Norfolk, VA; a brother, Jimmy Hickman of Little River, SC; his grandchildren: Cortney, Lane, Gabriel, Matthew, Logan, and Reid; his great-granddaughter, Anastasia; and numerous nieces and nephews from both his and his wife's families.

Charles left for Norfolk, VA after high school, where he met and married his wife, Janice. He then moved back home to Lumberton to take over a small store from some family friends on Highway 41 that became Hickman's Grocery. He really enjoyed the people that came through his store from 1969 until 1977. Toward his last years operating the store on Hwy 41, he opened a bait & tackle shop on his piece of paradise known as Horses' Bluff on the Lumber River located in the Burnt Islands.

After converting the bait & tackle shop to his home a few years later, Charles enjoyed lengthy employments with both Coca-Cola of Lumberton and Southeastern General Hospital until his health forced him into retirement. He finished out his days with Jan, until she passed away, enjoying his growing family, his corner of Swamp Heaven and growing number of conservationists, Lumber River enthusiasts, and assorted Swamp Rats such as himself that loved the river as much as he did.

The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service on Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 10:00-11:00 AM at Floyd Memorial Chapel, 809 E. 5 ^th Street in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a memorial service will be held a 11:00 AM with Rev. David McClellan officiating.