by Dec. 30, 1951 – Feb. 1, 2024
Ronald Hicks of Williamsville was always tenacious in pursuing his goals, according to his family.
Hicks started his career as a financial adviser with Equitable Insurance Corp. in 1976, launching what would become an exemplary, 48-year-career at one company.
He died unexpectedly on Feb. 1. He was 72.
Born in Buffalo, Hicks survived a horrific accident when he was 6 years old. It took him months to recuperate, during which time he was forced to wear a black eye patch. At first, he struggled academically, but his perseverance, fortitude and intelligence allowed him to overcome obstacles in his path.
A natural athlete, he excelled in track and field and football. In high school, Hicks was a member of the East High School “Eastonians” football team. His skills on the gridiron earned him an athletic scholarship to Central State University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), where he excelled both athletically and academically and from which he graduated in 1974.
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Raised in the church, he was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where he enjoyed singing as a member of Youth and Young Adult Choir and stood out as a lead soloist.
On Aug. 11, 2000, Hicks married the former Rosemary Ealy. They had a daughter, Amanda Rose, who died in infancy.
During their 24 years of marriage, the couple worked tirelessly and were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor while entertaining friends and family at cookouts, and traveling around the world.
Hicks was inducted into the Equitable Advisors Hall of Fame in 1989. He received numerous other awards for his contributions to the financial services industry. He received 41 National Leaders Corps Awards, and was honored 10 times as the President’s Cabinet Award winner. Hicks also received five Hallmark Awards for production and 19 Centurion Awards. Ron was also featured and honored in 40 Buffalo News Prospectus annual publications of the Million Dollar Roundtable.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Ronald D.; three sisters, Brenda Hicks-Russell, Beverly Johnson and Cynthia; and a brother, Dwight.
A funeral service was held on Feb. 10 in St. John Baptist Church, 184 Goodell St.
