Rodric Hickman

Rodric Hamilton Hickman was born on March 21, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio to Walter Hickman, Sr. and Caroldine Hickman (neé Williams). He was the fifth of seven children and the youngest son.

Rod grew up on the south side of Columbus and attended the then Columbus Public Schools. He was a Class of 1987 graduate of Independence High School. Rod went on to attend Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. While attending Central State, Rod met his college sweetheart Audrea Stanback in 1989. They joined in marriage on October 29, 1994, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Together Rod and Audrea had four beautiful children: Jarrin Allen Lamont, James Aaron, Jadon Rodric and Jada Amaris.

Rod was often the life of the party and was well known for always cracking jokes on family and friends. Over the years he even did standup comedy throughout the city. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. There’s no denying that Rod lightened a room with his comedic humor and distinctive laugh. If you were around him for any length of time you likely got called a jive turkey, bean head or one of his other hilarious names that many of us use because of him.

Rod loved music especially Al Green, Johnnie Taylor and most anything old school. He was also a really good dancer and was in a few talent shows when he was younger. In addition to loving comedy and music, Rod was a sports enthusiast. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Ohio State Buckeyes were his teams. Rod always kept his children active in a variety of sports and even volunteer coached basketball and little league football over the years. Rod was very athletic and did well in many sports. He played men’s recreational softball at Berliner for over 25 years with the A’s and then the Olde G’s. Softball was such an important part of his life that many of his teammates became extended family.

Rod was employed by the State of Ohio – Dept. of Rehabilitation & Correction since 2004. Prior to becoming a Corrections Officer he worked in banking and was most widely known as an insurance agent advising and helping those in the community when he helped his father run the Hickman Insurance Agency for several years.

Rod was preceded in death by his eldest son, Jarrin Hickman; brother, James “Jimmy” Hickman; sister Carol “Nan” Hickman as well as his grandparents: James Hickman, Harriett (Calvin) Featherstone Owens,James Henderson Williams and Katherine Williams; great-grandmother, Sarah Dickerson; uncles, Lloyd Williams, Ronald (Yvonne) Williams and Robert Williams; aunt, Juanita Williams; mother-in-law, Patricia Barnes; father-in-law, Anthony Graves; nieces, Madison and MacKenzie Hickman.

Rod is survived by and leaves to cherish his memory, his parents: Walter and Caroldine Hickman, Sr.; former wife and devoted life partner, Audrea Hickman; his children: Anastasia Owens, Brian Wright, James Hickman, Jadon Hickman, Jada Hickman, Jaylen Hickman, Abigail and Ariyana Wright; brother, Walter (Nsenga) Hickman, II; sisters, Cheryl (Moses) Jones, Tana Hickman, Tishria Hickman; grandchildren, Kahlil Owens and Justice Hooks; nephews, Quri Hickman, Walter “Tre” Hickman, III, Gabriel Hickman, Rashaun Barnes and Elon Barnes; nieces, Nsenga Hickman, Amaya Comer-Barnes and Jayla (Kevin) Gibson; father- in-law, Walter Barnes, Sr.; brothers-in-law, Walter (LaCoya) Barnes, Jr. and Rico Barnes; sister-in-law, Nakita Freeman; Special cousin, Nikco (Lamont) Bevly; Godsons, Curtis Nobleton, Jr. and Jordan Wade along with a host of other relatives and friends.

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