Earnest Clifton Hickson was born on April 9, 1951 to Fleet and Emma Palmer Hickson.

“Tennessee” as he was affectionately called, attended Lunenburg public schools. At an early age he became a member of Gilfield Baptist Church, Kenbridge, VA and also fellowshipped with Gospel Temple Church Kenbridge, VA. Tennessee was a long time employee at Wingfield roofing Kenbridge, VA for more than 30 plus years until his health began to fail. He didn’t stop working, he became the handyman around the community mowing lawns etc.… and always smiling.

Tennessee loved his children and his family very much. He also loved his animals the roosters, chickens, rabbits, cats, and dogs where he spent most of his time in the yard caring for. The past eleven years were difficult as his health took a downward spiral, but through it all he never complained. Dollies’ quote, “He was an amazing husband and I am lost without him; I know he is dancing around heaven suffering no more. On Wednesday morning as he was whistling very loudly and beautifully, I knew then the Angels were ushering him to heaven.”

On Thursday October 19, 2017, God called His son home. Earnest Hickson “Tennessee” departed this life at his residence in Kenbridge VA.

Tennessee is preceded in death by both of his parent’s Emma and Fleet Hickson, one sister, Shirley, three brothers, Charles, Junious, and Sammy.

He leaves to mourn his memories a loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Dollie of Kenbridge VA; one son, Shawn (Robin) Winn of Fishersville VA; one daughter, Latoya Winn of Petersburg VA; one step-daughter, Sharonda Wilson of Henrico VA; eight grandchildren, Tyshawn, Javon, Damian, and April of Fishersville VA, Lee-Shawn, Orland, Ladella, and James Earnest of Petersburg VA; two step-grandchildren, Telamesha, and Alexiana of Henrico VA; two sisters, Crystal (Charles) Toone of Victoria VA; and Blaze Zella Tisdale of Kenbridge VA; one sister-in-Law, Hazel (Melvin) Green of Emporia VA; two god-daughters, Clarenetta Carter and Ann Beasley, very special devoted nephew, Charles Hickson, Jr., best friend Ray Owen, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday Oct. 28, 2017, 12 noon at S.P. Jones Funeral Chapel, Kenbridge with Rev. Dr. Irene B. Allen, eulogist. Interment in the Falls Road Cemetery, Kenbridge.