Wilford ‘Stubby’ Hicks

Wilford “Stubby” Hicks, age 64, passed away unexpectedly Sunday (Aug. 1, 2026).

To know Stubby was to understand the beauty of silence and simplicity. He was a quiet man who guarded his privacy, but his heart was vast. He was a remarkably gentle and quiet soul who found his greatest joy and comfort in the peaceful world of books.

His love for reading old westerns and fantasy stories connected him to worlds far and wide. Stubby possessed a deep inner life and a brilliant mind shaped by the countless stories, histories and ideas he explored through reading. He didn’t need a crowd to make an impact; his quiet presence was a steady, comforting anchor for those who knew him best.

While he kept to himself, his sudden departure leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of the family who loved him just as he was.

He is survived by his sister, Marcy (Gary) Carter; brother, Brian (Becky) Hicks; brother, Tim Hicks; sister, Hope Dinkins; brother, Daryl Hicks; sister, Cheryl Kellogg; and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Shirley Hicks; brother, Joseph Hicks Jr.; brother, Clyde (Buzzy) Hicks; and sister, Faith Hicks.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 5, 2026) at the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 West State Road, Olean. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee Library, 8351 Route 417, Little Genesee, NY 14754, or genesee.stls.org.