Raymond W. 'Ray' Hickman

Pulaski Township

Raymond  W. Hickman, 70, of Pulaski Twp., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at home with his family by his side after fighting a courageous six-month battle with brain cancer.

Born June 30, 1947, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late William H. and Dorothy (Edwards) Hickman. Ray served in the U.S. Army as a radio repairman in Germany. Ray retired from TMK IPSCO Koppel Tubular (formerly B&W) in Ambridge, after 46 years of service. In his leisure, he worked; In his sleep, he worked. When he was at play, he worked. Ray was a selfless family man who made it his priority to provide. He was funny, friendly, and always willing to help fix anyone's problem with his years of mechanical and technical wisdom. Ray will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William D. Hickman and Sam Holzschuh.

Surviving are his loving wife of 44 years, Deborah (Welsh) Hickman; two sons and daughters-in-law, Shawn M. (Wendy) Hickman, Butler, Pa., and Jamie L. (Carla) Hickman, New Brighton; along with their children, Brittany (Brent) Hartwick, Kaicee Hickman and Alexandra Hickman; sister and brother-in-law, Judy (Howard) Allen, Industry, and a sister-in-law, Karen Hickman, Chippewa Twp. A special thanks to his close cousin, Bonnie Hutchison, Dianne Schmalenberger, whom he jokingly referred to as his girlfriend, Cindy Hupp, a special sister, his two good friends, Jim Lucic and Bob Kroskey, and his dogs, Emma and George. Also surviving are several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received Sunday from 3 p.m. until time of service at 6 p.m. in the J&J SPRATT FUNERAL HOME, 1612 Third Ave., New Brighton, www.jjsprattfh.com, with Pastor Lee Bittner officiating.

The Beaver County Special Unit will meet Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home to conduct full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ray's name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road Aliquippa, PA 15001.

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