Chester Lee Hickman Sr

HICKMAN, Chester Lee, age 82, of Bedford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 10, 2022. He was born on February 12th, 1940, in Rockbridge, VA. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and worked at RUBATEX, from 1964-1999 and retired in 2000. Chester was a devoted husband and father, and cherished spending time with his family and traveling. He was very fond of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He was a collector of everything, whether it be coins, coke drink bottles, little trinkets, and artifacts. Many would see him walking the roads to pick up cans or gathering wood. He was an avid lover of talking to people. No matter where he would be, he would conversate with complete strangers and make new friends. He was a faithful servant to God and would always lead and preach of his faith, to family and friends. He is preceded in death by his Parents Eithel M and Virginia W Hickman, sister, Doris Denny, and brothers, Eithel O Hickman, and Marvin E Hickman. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Patricia G Hickman, brother, Thomas J Hickman (Edna), sister, Shirley H Markham, son, Chester L Hickman Jr.(Carla), daughter, Janet L. Hickman, grandchildren, Matthew Bowyer, Amber Perdue (Dustin), Justin Hickman and Dallas Rice, great grandchildren, Makensie Rice, Mary-Beth Bowyer, Jaidon Carter, Dalton Perdue, Josiah Bowyer,  Harley Perdue, Mattalyn (Sonny-Jo) Bowyer, and Niaomi Perdue as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00PM, July 14th, 2022, at Tharp Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Ray Lyons and Rev. John Hester, then proceed to Longwood Cemetery, 1131 Park St. Bedford, VA, 24523. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00PM, July 13th, 2022, at Tharp Funeral Home, 320 N Bridge St, Bedford, VA 24523.