Born in Flowood, MS, Matthew lived the first two years of his life in Ridgeland before moving with his parents to Hattiesburg. He spent ten years of his childhood there and always cherished the friendships he made. But most importantly, it was during those years when Matthew accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and has loved our Heavenly Father with his whole heart ever since. After Hattiesburg, he moved to Magee with his mother and siblings and gained a wonderful stepfather and stepbrother.
Matthew graduated high school from Simpson County Academy. Matthew attended Jones College upon graduation, where he obtained his associate degree. He went on to Mississippi State University and greatly enjoyed his days in Starkville, working at the local co-op and spending time on his Hickman family farm. After his time in Starkville, Matthew returned home and pursued a lifelong career in the agricultural sales industry. He was always a proponent of small towns. Matthew loved Magee, serving in several capacities, including the local Chamber and Magee Board of Alderman. Matthew also loved and served his church, First Baptist Church of Magee.
Matthew graduated high school from Simpson County Academy. Matthew attended Jones College upon graduation, where he obtained his associate degree. He went on to Mississippi State University and greatly enjoyed his days in Starkville, working at the local co-op and spending time on his Hickman family farm. After his time in Starkville, Matthew returned home and pursued a lifelong career in the agricultural sales industry. He was always a proponent of small towns. Matthew loved Magee, serving in several capacities, including the local Chamber and Magee Board of Alderman. Matthew also loved and served his church, First Baptist Church of Magee.
A friend to all, Matthew touched the lives of countless people. Relationships with his family, friends, and customers were always his top priority. He found joy in entertaining those around him with his music and stories, which were notorious for going on and on. His genuine smile and belly laugh lit up any room he was in, and he made everyone feel as if they were his best friend. Matthew will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and everyone else who crossed his path.
To know Matthew was to love him. He had a larger-than-life personality with an old soul. He was tough yet tender. He cared deeply for those he loved. He was immensely talented. Matthew enjoyed gardening, cooking, antiquing, singing while playing the guitar and piano, and all types of music.
Matthew was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Osler Hickman, Sr., and his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dale.
He is survived by his father, Dwight “Hap” Hickman (Sheila) and his mother, Nona Dale Lee, and stepfather, Joe Lee; his siblings, Elizabeth Hickman Parish (Lee), Brantley Hickman (Tiffany), and Jarrod Lee (Stephanie); and his beloved uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces, and cousins.
Visitation was held Tuesday, June 27th, at Tutor Funeral Home in Magee, MS, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The funeral was held on Wednesday, June 28th, at First Baptist Church of Magee at 10:00 am. Graveside services were conducted at Memorial Park Cemetery in Louisville, MS, at 2:30 pm.