Dr Charles Hickman, also known as Doc, passed away the morning of June 16, 2023 at the age of 89 years young, surrounded by his loving family members. Dr Hickman received three degrees in electrical engineering, including a PhD from the University of Tennessee. He taught electrical engineering and conducted research at Auburn University for six years followed by sixteen years in research and environmental affairs department at Southern Company Services in Birmingham There he solved noise and vibration problems throughout the Southern Company system. He was the interim dean and director of the Center for Electric Power at Tennessee Tech University (TTU). Dr Hickman was an adjunct professor for the computer and electrical engineering department at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. During his career he developed and presented workshops related to noise and vibration control, and consulted with companies to reduce noise and vibration to improve acoustics. He holds membership and has held offices in many scientific and professional societies.

Dr Hickman and his family moved to Hoover in 1972. He was on the original Hoover Board of Education while living in Hoover. After retirement from TTU, he and his wife, Joyce, moved back to Hoover to share life with family. Since Doc’s retirement he stayed active traveling with different family members. He blessed us with trips to all 50 states. Numerous snow skiing trips. Trips to Canada, Italy, France, Spain, Alaska, and Ireland.

Dr Hickman leaves behind wife, Joyce Hickman, of 66 years marriage and two daughters, Charlene McNeill, and Kristen Hardy (husband Mac Hardy) . Grandchildren are Brock Hardy (wife Emily Hardy), Campbell Hardy (wife Lexi Hardy), Lindsey Claire Douthit (husband Elton Douthit), Heath McNeill, and Luke McNeill. Great grandchildren are Rhett McGraw Hardy, and Mary Helen Douthit. Doc is predeceased by Mac McNeill, husband of Charlene McNeill.

There will be no funeral for Dr Charles Hickman. His wishes, as stated in his will, were to have his body cremated and then to have a party at Charlene’s house. On June 17, 2023 we celebrated Doc’s life with lots of food and fellowship. At the end of the evening we had a final Jack Daniels whiskey toast in his honor. In lieu of flowers the family wishes for donations be made to:

Charles E Hickman Engineering Scholarship Endowment at TTU
University Advancement Box 5111
Cookeville, TN 38505-0001