James Royce Hickey, age 79 of Sparta, passed away on Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026, at NHC of Sparta. He was born on November 22, 1946, in Sparta to the late Sheriff William Hickey and Sheriff Annell Oliver Hickey. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Billy Lee Hickey, and a sister, Sawilla Hickey Reams.
James was a Baptist minister for 58 years. For the last 26 years, he was the Pastor of East Commerce Baptist Church in Lewisburg, TN. After retiring, he then became the Director of Missions with the Union Baptist Association.
After graduating from White County High School, he attended Tennessee Tech University, where he got his bachelor's degree and later got his master's degree in Agronomy. He also graduated from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Hutchings Hickey
Son: Matthew Lynn Hickey & wife Clorissa
Grandsons: Dalton and William
Brother: Lynn Hickey & wife Sharon
Sister: Betty Hickey Weaver
Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Sparta First Baptist Church with burial in the Scurlock Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 pm until Service time. Bro. Maston Jackson, Bro. Al Schieber and Bro. Steve McPherson will officiate the service.
Marty Usery, Henry Usery, Jonathan Hutson, Cody Nash, Jerry Simpson, and Terry Abston will serve the family as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Dalton and William Hickey.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
