Carl Gene Hicks Jr.

Carl G. Hicks Jr., age 73 was born on December 15, 1952 and as only he could, transitioned on December 15, 2025.

Carl was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, mentor, and friend. Carl was born in Columbus, Ohio where he attended Marion Franklin High School and later enlisted in the US Coast Guard to serve for almost 3 years. He then became a dedicated employee of the Columbus Dispatch for 20+ years. During this time Carl loved to coach his sons baseball team, compete on his very own softball team, bowl competitively, travel and grace the world with humor. After retirement, Carl and his wife became real estate investors, flipping multiple properties to later fund their other business ventures. Entrepreneurship led them to later open multiple beauty salons managing and mentoring a large part of the beauty industry in Columbus, Ohio.

As a staple in the black beauty community Carl was a known as a father figure who would help anyone as long as he could add some sarcasm. Carl was a ball of love, especially to his grandchildren, who knew that anything was possible with “pawpaw”.

Carl is survived by his loving wife of over 45 years, Donna Hicks, Sons Carl (Adrienne) Hicks, Wesley Hicks(significant other Nicole Thomas); Daughter, Donna Kyles; Uncle, Conner Lewis; Grandchildren, Kylan, Karter, Kaiah, Christopher, Kylee, Carl IV, Lyden, Karver, Khristian and Great-Grandchildren, Nylan and Boston; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded by his parents Carl Sr. and Joyce Melba Hicks and Sister, Robin Hicks.