Ruben "RJ" James Hickman

Ruben "RJ" James Hickman, 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Durham VA Health Care System surrounded by his family. Born in Lee County, North Carolina, RJ was the son of the late Ruben Reed and Dollie Holder Hickman. He proudly served his country in the United States Army before beginning a long career with IND Tool, Inc., where he worked faithfully until his retirement.

RJ was an avid outdoorsman with a lifelong passion for hunting. He held the #1 bow kill in the State of North Carolina for more than ten years, an accomplishment of which he was quietly proud. Above all else, RJ was devoted to his family. He was a loving father and grandfather who found his greatest joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. One of his favorite traditions was rocking each grandchild in his rocking chair. Each grandchild received a special nickname, a small but meaningful expression of the love he had for every one of them.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Helen Hickman Allen.

RJ is survived by his wife, Geneva Hickman; his son, Jay Hickman (Becky); his daughter, Gena Aaronson (Mike); Jimmy (Marcie); his eight granddaughters; one great granddaughter; one great grandson; three sisters; and one brother.

A service will be held to honor his life on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Oak Grove Baptist Church located at 5217 Oak Grove Church Rd. Mebane, NC 27302 beginning at 2:00pm. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church beginning at 12:00pm. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.