Christopher Giles "Chris" Hicks

Christopher Giles "Chris" Hicks, 65, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2013 following an extended illness.Born January 25, 1948, in Morganton, North Carolina to the late Byron James Hicks and Neta Mull Hicks, Chris was a graduate of Salem High School. Chris served honorably and with distinction with the United States Marine Corps receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Chris continued to be active throughout his life in the Veterans Administration, local Veterans groups and was an avid member of the Table Rock Post 5362 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars located in Morganton.Chris had a tremendous sense of humor, a large following of friends and never refused assistance to a person in need. He enjoyed spending time with all his friends at the VFW, Bob and Terry Wise, the Powell family, and Rob and Bobby Denton.Surviving are his best friend Rosetta Marie Corpening "Rose"; brother, Carlos Dean Hicks and his wife, Barbara Hicks; nieces, Deanna Burton Hicks Leake, Shannon Alyss Hicks Read, and Kathryn Casey, and their spouses; four great-nephews; and his faithful canine companion, Square Head.The memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2013 at Bethel United Methodist Church on Bethel Road with Pastor Butch Osborne officiating. Interment of the cremated remains will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Marine Corps League, Table Rock Detachment #1197. The family will receive friends at VFW Post 5362 after the service.Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 5362, 519 Hopewell Road, Morganton, NC 28655.Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.