Henry E. Fickling Jr.

Henry E. Fickling Jr. also known as “Hank” was born in Ridgeland, South Carolina on May 24, 1927, the son of Mr. Henry E. Fickling, Sr. and Mrs. Clyde Horton Fickling, and passed on March 1, 2023, at the age of 95. He was a lifelong resident of Ridgeland where he attended school and graduated in 1945.

Soon after graduation he joined the US Navy and served in the

Pacific Theater of World War II.  In 1954 Hank graduated from Clemson A&M college with a degree in Animal Science. After graduation he was ordered to report to Fort Hood, Texas as a Second Lieutenant. Hank served two years in the Armored Infantry Battalion in the North Korean War and three months of armored school in Fort Knox, Kentucky. During his time at Fort Hood Hank met the Love of his life Bernice McKinney who he later married in 1954.

Hank was an avid hunter and fisherman and when returning home in 1953 he spent 30 days salt water fishing and catching up to 100 trout daily.  He then began working for the local Smith Ford Dealership, was promoted in 1961, and purchased the business in 1971. Hank and Bernice had many happy years together and raised two sons, and one daughter.  

Hank is survived by daughter Dixie Cope, son William McKinney Fickling, daughter-in-law Shelli Fickling, grandson BJ Fickling, granddaughter Shelbie Fickling, and grandson Logan Fickling. He was preceded in death by his wife Bernice Fickling and son Henry E. Fickling III. 

Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Hospice Angels Foundation, 401 Center Ave. Suite 150, Bay City, Michigan 48708-5939

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