Eric Tyler Hickes

In Loving Memory of Eric Tyler Hickes

December 30, 1974 – October 20, 2026

Eric Tyler Hickes passed away unexpectedly on October 20, 2026, following a sudden health issue. His passing leaves behind a tremendous void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Eric was born on December 30, 1974, to Ron and Sybil Hickes in Decatur, Georgia. He grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia, as the youngest of three children, with two older sisters who would spend a lifetime loving him, even when he made it his mission to drive them crazy. He completed the family. He may have occasionally been a handful as a youth to his parents, but as an adult, he was always sure to be there for them no matter what they needed.

From the very beginning, Eric was curious, adventurous, and more than a little mischievous. He was the kind of kid who was always getting into something, and his curiosity occasionally led him into trouble. He loved trains, which led to one of his childhood nicknames, “Boose”. He once pulled the air break on a parked train in Stone Mountain Village, just to see what would happen – He found out. The crossing gates came down and the lights and bells went off, and he earned himself Community Service with the local prisoners, even making friends with a few of them! Thankfully, it did not turn into a runaway train and no one was injured!

This was just one of many stories that perfectly captured Eric’s adventurous spirit and his knack for keeping everyone on their toes.

Eric was also fascinated by ham radios from a young age, although his mother wasn’t particularly thrilled with the idea, especially when she worried he might be chatting with truckers. He was always interested in figuring out how things worked, a curiosity that would follow him throughout his life. He loved music of all genres, especially Pink Floyd, as that was the very first cassette tape he listened to. Eric also had a love of movies & film and had a very extensive collection – It was not unusual for him to see a movie several times a month at the Plaza Theater in Atlanta – where all of the employees, of course, knew him by name.

As he grew older, Eric became the person everyone called when their computers stopped working or if something needed to be fixed. He was the go-to guy. He was always willing to lend a hand, share what he knew, and help someone out whenever he could.

Some of Eric’s happiest times were spent outdoors, especially at the beach. If Eric was on the beach, chances were good that his kite was flying high in the sky. He also loved celebrating the Fourth of July at Stone Mountain Park, creating memories and enjoying traditions that remained special to him.

As a young boy, Eric played hockey until he decided that getting up early for practices simply wasn’t worth it. And just like that, his hockey career came to an end! The figure skating coach at the ice rink had other plans for him and thought he had the potential to become a figure skater.

Eric, however, was not interested in a sport involving toepicks. He knew what he wanted—and figure skating wasn’t it!

Eric was also a devoted fan of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. Loved going to Nascar Races, especially in Talladega, cooking on his Big Green Egg, and of course he loved the Atlanta Braves. If there was ever a bobble head night give away, you can bet Eric was there to get one (or 2, or 3) to add to his extensive growing collection.

To his sisters, Eric was the quintessential little brother: sometimes pesky, sometimes frustrating, and occasionally impossible to agree with. They didn’t always see eye to eye, and they certainly didn’t always get along, but underneath it all was a bond that could never be broken. He was their little brother, and they loved him more than words could ever express. Despite the disagreements and the years of sibling teasing, Eric held a special place in their hearts, and his absence will be felt in countless ways.

Eric was a father who tried to be the best dad he could be. Like all of us, he had his own challenges and imperfections, but he wanted only the best for his children, and continually strived to do his best for them. He was the best Uncle to his niece and nephews, as well as a wonderful friend to so many, someone people could turn to when they needed help, advice, or simply someone willing to show up.

He was the best brother, even when he was being the most annoying one. He was loved deeply, not because he was perfect, but because he was Eric—uniquely himself, full of personality, and woven into the lives of so many people.

Eric’s life was filled with stories, laughter, unexpected adventures, and moments that his family and friends will carry with them forever. He had a way of leaving his mark, whether through his mischievous childhood antics, his willingness to fix a computer, reconnect your WiFi, his love of the beach, or his readiness to help someone in need.

Eric was preceded in death by his father, Ronald J Hickes. He is survived by his Mother, Sybil Hickes, sons, Liam T Hickes and Lucas A Hickes, sisters Natalie Hickes and Cassandra Hickes, niece, Aubrey, and nephews Maddox & Asher, his dog & cat, Roxy & Garcia and his girlfriend Kim Watson; all within the Atlanta Metro Area.

His passing reminds us how fragile life can be and how much the people we love become part of who we are. Eric leaves behind a hole that can never truly be filled, but he also leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories that will be told again and again, and a love that will never fade.

We are all better for having been blessed with Eric in our lives, whether we knew him from the very day he was born or met him somewhere along the way. Though our time with him was not long enough, we will forever be grateful that we had it.

Rest easy, Eric. May the wind always be at your back, your kite always fly high, and your memory live on in the hearts of everyone who loves you.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church on Hugh Howell Road in Stone Mountain on Friday November 6th at 1pm.