Paul Alvin "Mick" Hickam Jr., 82, passed away on January 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, one day after celebrating his 39th wedding anniversary with his wife, Linda Hickam.

Born on October 16, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mick spent his early years in the greater Knoxville and Gatlinburg areas. He attended Lincoln Park Elementary School in Knoxville and later graduated from high school in Gatlinburg, where he played basketball. He was also a devoted Tennessee Volunteers fan throughout his life.

After high school, Mick enlisted in the United States Navy, where he trained in electronics and served for nearly a decade. During the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Thailand, where he worked on and serviced U.S. reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft, supporting military operations in Southeast Asia. He later served as an instructor at North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego, training others in complex technical systems.

Mick married Caroline Sue Moncrieff while in San Diego with whom he raised two sons, Richard and David. Sue passed away from cancer in 1985. In 1987, Mick married Linda, beginning a 39-year partnership marked by devotion, companionship, and deep mutual care. His career with Tandy Leather Corporation took him and his family to several states before they eventually settled in Wichita, Kansas.

Mick was known for his humor, sharp wit, and genuine kindness. He loved music—and had a wide ranging eclectic taste—and passed that love on to his family. He valued loyalty,  maintained lifelong friendships, but also made new friends easily.

Mick is remembered as a devoted husband and father, a Vietnam War veteran, a loyal friend, and a good man whose life was marked by quiet strength and grace.

Mick is preceded in death by his first wife Sue, his parents Paul Sr. and Irene, and his sister Paulette.

Survivors include his wife Linda, sons Richard (Darlene), David (Jackie), step-children Kirsten (Brad), Kelly (Ryan), Jeremy (Shelly), and Josh (Jill). Grandchildren Derek, Allison, Autumn, Eli, Avery, Sophie, Alexis, and Matthew.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, at 721 N. Preston Trail, with guests welcome at 12:30 PM and the service beginning at 1:00 PM. A lite lunch will follow.

A graveside service will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Collegedale Cemetery in Collegedale, Tennessee.

The family has entrusted Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas with Paul's care.