Michael Ray Hickman, 72, of Dunbar, West Virginia passed away Monday, April 14, 2025 at home.

He was born August 25, 1952 to the late Elben and Ruth Kerwood Hickman.

Mike was a 1970 graduate of Dunbar High School. He attended Glenville State College where he was a member of the 1976 five-member bowling team that won the NAIA National Championship in Kansas City, Missouri. The team was inducted into the Glenville State College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.

Mike retired from the Delaware Avenue Kroger in Charleston where he regarded his customers as friends. He also worked as an inventory specialist for Washington Inventory.

Whether he was wrestling Dunbar sports legend Heywood Smith in high school wrestling practice ("He could never pin me!"), draining long jumpers in flip flops in a Dunbar Junior High outdoor basketball court game, or walking on his hands, Mike was a Dunbar original. Known as Hicky, Hicky-do, or Stretch, he always had a smile and a greeting for all (followed by a laugh). Mike was short in stature, but he had a huge heart.

Mike traveled to Europe in 1992 and 1998 for summer backpacking trips with his good friend Jeff Young. On one of the trips Mike blew out a flip flop on a beach in Split, Croatia. Jeff is a lifelong Green Bay Packers' fan, and Mike never failed to call and razz him after a Packers loss.

Mike is survived by his uncle, Jerry Carney along with cousins, Lisa Carney and Lance Carney (Kathy). He also held Lance and Kathy's children, Ryan and Jillian in high regard, never missing a chance to brag on them.

A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

Family will welcome visitors at 4:00 p.m until the start of the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dunbar United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 1401 Myers Ave, Dunbar, WV 25064.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net