Clarence Paul Hickman Jr's Obituary
Clarence Paul Hickman, Jr. was born on February 5, 1937, in Mobile, Alabama, to Clarence Paul Hickman, Sr. and Lucille Collins Hickman. He was their first and only son, and the fourth of five siblings. His sisters Clara, Jean, Doris, and Julia were his lifelong companions in both childhood and long life.
Raised with strong Catholic traditions in Mobile, Clarence was a proud product of his community and upbringing. He graduated from Central High School in 1955 and, following his high school years, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing Boot Camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, Clarence was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he was promoted to Lance Corporal.
In May 1958, during a visit to Kinston, North Carolina, Clarence met and fell in love with Margaretta Mumford. They married soon after, and together they had four daughters: Margaret Lucille, Sandra Deveta-Maria, Paula Ann, and Soretta Irene. Their 22-year marriage was marked by both love and sacrifice as Clarence’s military career took him across the world.
Clarence’s service in the U.S. Marine Corps was dedicated and far-reaching. His postings included time overseas in Okinawa, Vietnam, and various six-month medical cruises. Margaretta and their daughters eventually joined him and relocated to Camp Pendleton, California. Shortly after, Clarence was assigned to serve in the Vietnam War, a conflict that claimed the lives of 16,899 soldiers. In June 1966 Clarence moved his wife and 4 daughters to Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in Oceanside, Ca where they stayed in Military Housing for 2 years. His courage and commitment were unmatched, and after his return from Vietnam, he became a Drill Instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.
As a Drill Instructor, Clarence trained over 600 Marines, passing on his skills, discipline, and pride in the Corps. In 1977, after 20 years of dedicated service, Clarence retired with honors as an E-9 Master Gunnery Sergeant. He would go on to serve another 20 years as a Mechanical Engineer at the VA hospital in Loma Linda, California.
Clarence’s personal life continued to unfold in new chapters. After his divorce from Margaretta, he married Joyce Black in 1986. Though this marriage ended after several years, Clarence continued his life living in Redlands, CA where he enjoyed his retirement years, frequently driving his beloved sports cars and spending time with long-time friends and fellow military veterans. His Saturdays were reserved for breakfast with friends, and in the evenings, he could often be found dancing at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Hall, a place where he would become somewhat of a legend. He soon met his girlfriend of 20 years, Marth Smith. After he relocated to San Diego, she faithfully visited and called him twice a day for over 7 years until her passing in August 2024.
Known by his friends as “Lexus” because of his affinity for sporty cars, Clarence was also affectionately called “Uncle Jr.” by the children of his sisters. He was a proud Marine through and through, and his presence was larger than life. His daughters remember him as a loving protector, one who taught them the value of hard work, health, and discipline. Clarence often raced them in relays, showing them, he was faster even in his later years, and would make them kites from tissue paper and wooden sticks. He proudly encouraged them to run with him to the rifle range, a grueling 4-mile round trip. Clarence would give the boys that lived on block “the evil look” and then chase them down the street for starring at his four daughters!
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