Thomas "Tom" Hickey

Thomas Mahaffey Hickey, known to all as Tom, of Hideaway, Texas, passed away on March 4, 2026, in Tyler, Texas. Born on October 1, 1940, in Hillsboro, Texas, to the late Thomas Herbert and Martha Kate Mahaffey Hickey, he lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and quiet service to others. For the past 25 years he called Hideaway home, having previously lived in Argyle and Friendswood.

Tom placed his faith in Christ at the age of twelve and carried that commitment throughout his life. He loved God, his family, and his friends with sincerity and consistency. His favorite passage of Scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6, guided him: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

After graduating from Texas Tech University, Tom served in the United States Air Force before enjoying a long career with IBM, where he retired as a programming manager. An active member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, he served as a deacon and found great joy singing in the choir. In his free time he cherished playing golf, listening to and making music, traveling, and most of all, being with the people he loved.

He was preceded in death by his brother Sherman Hickey and sister-in-law Jo Frances Hickey. Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Hickey of Hideaway; their children, Kevin Hickey and wife Susan of Marietta, Georgia, and Kaylyn Hickey of Coppell, Texas; grandson Aaron Hickey of Alpharetta, Georgia; granddaughter Lucy McDaniel and husband Logan of Cleveland, Georgia; and other loving family members.