Howard Harris Hickman Jr

Born March 18, 1933 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Departed August 18, 2023 in Palm Bay, Florida

Howard Harris Hickman Jr., 90, of Melbourne Beach, passed away on August 18th, 2023. He was born on March 18th, 1933 to Howard and Ruby Hickman in Winston-Salem, NC.

He leaves behind a loving wife of 70 happy years, Marie Hickman. They were blessed with three adoring children, Harris (Pam) Hickman, David (Doug) Hickman, and Lisa (Greg) Bryan, as well as 5 grandchildren, Christa (Brian) Sheehan, Matthew (Kate) Hickman, Adam (Stephanie) Hickman, Patrick (Holly) Hickman, and Connor (August) Bryan. He also leaves behind 8 great grandchildren and his siblings, Richard Hickman, Darlene (Ed) Armstrong, and Kay Hutchens.

Howard and Marie moved to Florida in 1960, where Howard became an educator and school administrator. He began as a math teacher at Central Junior High School and Johnson Junior High School, then became assistant principal for several schools, then principal of DeLaura Junior High School and later Eau Gallie High School, and completed his career as Director of Personnel for Brevard Public Schools. During his illustrious career in the school system, Howard touched countless lives in our community. He was recognized often by former students or teachers, and everyone whose lives he affected has felt his loss greatly.

Howard was a lifelong educator, teaching everyone in his life to think deeply and love strongly. His passion for orchid cultivation demonstrated his dedication to nurturing growth in all those around him. In the lush backyard of Howard’s Melbourne Beach home sits his orchid house, full of the vivid blooms of so many orchids that will also mourn the loss of his green thumb.

There is no one who has met Howard who was not touched by his kindness and joviality. Until his final day on Earth, surrounded by many loving family members, he was full of life and personality. He left us peacefully in his sleep at the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay.

A celebration of life will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Indialantic on September 16th, 2023 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Eastminster.