Samuel Greene Hickman, Jr.

Samuel Greene Hickman, Jr., 81, of Charlotte, formerly of Statesville, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Sam was born on March 18, 1945, in Smithfield, NC, to the late Samuel Greene Hickman, Sr. and Sadie Ross Hickman. He was a graduate of Hargrave Military School and attended Wingate University, receiving his bachelor’s degree from Catawba College.

Sam served in the United States Navy as a Navy Corpsman alongside the U.S. Marines in Vietnam. He was severely injured in the conflict and was a Purple Heart veteran.

He was a member of Broad St. Methodist Church while in Statesville. A fun loving brother and uncle, always entertaining with his vast knowledge of American made cars. His early hobby was building and collecting his model cars. He had the privilege of accompanying the WWII Vets on three of the Flight of Honor events to Washington, DC, sponsored by the Rotary D-7680 of Mecklenburg County.

Sam had several career paths but none that would ever match his time at Statesville Drug Company. He retired from Sales at Visionworks in 2019.

He is survived by his sister Susan Hickman Watterworth and her husband, David of Charlotte; a nephew, Blake Watterworth and wife Dana of Merion Station, PA and niece, Kelsey Watterworth and husband Karl Haraldsson of Chicago IL. Sam enjoyed the nickname of Gus - Great Uncle Sam.

A graveside service to celebrate the life of Sam Hickman, Jr. will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, July 17, 2026, in the Veterans section of Oakwood Cemetery, Statesville, NC. Rev. Tracy Schumpert will officiate, and military honors will be provided by the Iredell County Veterans Detail.

Our praise and thanks to the staff at Atrium Health in the Neurosurgical ward. A special thanks to Dr. Michael Roden and Resident Austin Allen for their guidance. And special praise to the angels at the Hospice House for providing the utmost care for Sam in his final days.

Memorials in Sam’s honor may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation that assists Wounded Warriors with housing and mortgages or the Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster.

Arrangements for Mr. Hickman are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.