Coach Jimmy Dale Hicklen, 71, of Dover passed away at his home on July 6, 2017 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. His family and friends have been amazed at his strength, optimism, bravery and perseverance during this 10 year journey. Jimmy loved the Lord and trusted in HIM through this time and was at peace within his heart. He was born October 5, 1945 on the family farm in Cash Point, Tennessee, the youngest child of Cleo and Ola Wilburn Hicklen, who are deceased. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lynda Franklin Hicklen, his brother, Bruce and wife, Gina of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, his sister, Faye Shannon and husband, Eddy of Ardmore, Alabama. He is also survived by Lynda's family, whom he loved like his own; her mother, Evangeline Parkes of Fayetteville, Tennessee, her brothers, Ron Franklin of Huntsville, Alabama, Billy Franklin of Fayetteville, Tennessee and Tim Franklin and wife, Donna of Gadsden, Alabama, her sisters Barbara Crawford and husband, David of Fayetteville, Tennessee and Cindy Parton and husband, Marty of Hazel Green, Alabama. From both families, he was blessed with 13 nieces and nephews, 29 great nieces and nephews and 1 great- great nephew. He cherished the many family celebrations and gatherings and was thankful he was able to attend each one until recently. Jimmy was a graduate of Blanche High School and Austin Peay State University. He was retired from the Stewart County Board of Education, having served as a teacher, basketball coach and school bus driver. His years of retirement were rewarding, busy and happy when his health allowed. He found great pleasure in traveling, working many, many hours in his garden, maintaining his yard and home and cheering on his beloved Tennessee Vols. Some of his happiest times were those spent at Paris Landing Golf Course where he worked as a volunteer and played golf with many dear friends. He was a member of Dover First Baptist Church and he loved his church family, who have been amazing in their support and caring. His family would like to thank friends, church family and former students for the amazing love and numerous acts of kindness that have been shown to him. He especially appreciated receiving cards which numbered in the hundreds. Each and every card mattered to him and brightened up many days. He loved and was loved by many and he will be forever missed. The family would also like to thank the Vanderbilt Colorectal Oncology Department, the staff at the Paris Cancer Care Clinic, Tennessee Quality Home Health, Tennessee Quality Hospice and Dr. Robert Lee and his staff for the exceptional care he has received from each of these through the years. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 9th at 2:00 P.M. at Anglin Funeral Home with Bro. George Miller and Bro. Mark Wilson officiating. A visitation prior to the service will be held Sunday at 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at 2:00 P.M., also at Anglin Funeral Home. Nephews will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be James C. Brigham, Don Cherry, Frank Dill, Neal Mathis, Danny Threatt, Ray Wofford, Eric Watkins, members of the Bob McGuffin Sunday School Class and employees and golfing friends from Paris Landing State Park. A graveside service will be Monday at 12:00 P.M. at the Gatlin Cemetery in Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Derrick Moose officiating and brothers-in-law serving as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Dover First Baptist Church Children's Playground Fund. Arrangements are entrusted to Anglin Funeral Home.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jimmy Dale Hicklen, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.