John Patrick Hickey

On March 17, 1957, John Patrick Hickey, “a fine boy” as reported by the Marshall County Gazette, was born to Muriel and Betty Jo Hickey in Lebanon, Tennessee. That “fine boy” grew to be a fine man who lived an incredible life. John Patrick passed away on June 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. His life was exemplified by his love for family and his faith in God.

Patrick grew up in Lebanon, Tennessee where his athletic ability, fearlessness, curiosity, and fun-loving personality were exhibited at an early age, and these led him to an accomplished and successful life. Of all his accomplishments, his greatest are his sons, John Connor Hickey, and Mitchell Moore Hickey. He loved his sons dearly and worked tirelessly to ensure that they had wonderful upbringings. He showed them the beauty and splendor of the natural world, and also
enlightened them to the wonders of science and art. He was unwavering in his love and dedication to them and taught them how much satisfaction can come from hard work and to appreciate the simpler things in life. He instilled the good values and morals into them that have shaped them into the men they are today. In remembering his father, Mitchell said it best, “If you ever had the chance to meet and know my dad then you’ll know that words on paper could
never truly encapsulate the person he was. He was a true champion of character and embodied everything that it meant to be a good man, a good person, a good friend, and the best father. He made sure to instill those values in my brother and me, and for that I am forever thankful.”

Patrick’s childhood and teenage years in Lebanon started with summer days, fall and winter afternoons spent playing backyard football and baseball. He learned to play and love the game of golf from his father and played his entire life. As he and his friends grew older their summers were spent water skiing at Spring Creek on Old Hickory Lake. At Castle Heights Military Academy, he excelled in soccer, track and football and was named both offensive player of the year and most valuable player. His fun-loving personality led him to be named “most popular” as well.

Patrick was a graduate of the University of Tennessee and a lifelong Vols fan. He started his career in the oil and gas industry ultimately becoming one of the most effective utility managers in Tennessee. In his role as General Manager of Clarksville Gas and Water, Pat led the utility in its recovery after the 2010 flood. His calm, deliberate leadership, and unwavering commitment to securing FEMA funding will prove to be beneficial to the Citizens of Clarksville for years to come.

In 2019, Pat retired and married the love of his life, Saya Ann Hickey who he referred to as “his person.” In addition to his wife, Saya, sons Connor and Mitchell, he is also survived by stepson, Quint Qualls, stepdaughter, Caroline (Sam) Long, sister Melissa (Gary) Campbell, and nephews Zach Campbell and Brandon (Paula) Campbell.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held in honor of John Patrick Hickey on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Smyrna First United Methodist Church with visitation at 10:00 am and service at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Pat’s name be made to Smyrna First United Methodist Church.