Anderson Clayton Hicks, lovingly known by many as Paw Paw, age 100, of Thompsons Station, Tennessee, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on July 5, 2026, in Spring Hill, Tennessee. After a century of God's faithfulness, Clayton finished his race with the same steadfast faith that marked his life and ministry. His greatest desire was to know Christ and make Him known, and his family rejoices in the hope of the resurrection and the promise that he is now at home with Jesus Christ.

A memorial service celebrating Clayton's life and legacy will be held in the Clearview Baptist Church Chapel on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 2:30 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date in the Chilton Cemetery in Chilton, Texas.

Clayton was born on November 25, 1925, in Chilton, Falls County, Texas, to Hunter and Ola Adams Hicks. Raised on the family farm in the North Prairie community, he learned the values of hard work, humility, and faith that would shape the rest of his life. He attended North Prairie School through the ninth grade and graduated from Chilton High School in May 1943.

After attending Baylor University during the summer of 1943, Clayton answered his country's call by enlisting in the United States Navy on September 15, 1943. Following boot camp in San Diego, California, he studied electrical engineering at Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa, before serving aboard the USS Southard (DMS-10) where he served in the Pacific during World War II. He was honorably discharged on May 3, 1946, following the close of the war.

Called by God to pastoral ministry, Clayton earned degrees from Wayland Baptist College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. On August 30, 1949, Clayton married the love of his life, Selma Louise Crawford, at Dougherty Baptist Church in Floyd County, Texas, where he was serving as a student pastor. Together they shared a devoted marriage of 71 years, faithfully serving the Lord side by side through decades of ministry as they invested into and impacted countless lives.

During 12 years as a pastor, he shepherded the congregations of Dougherty Baptist Church, New Zion Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Bells, and Fostepco Baptist Church, all in Texas. He later answered another calling by serving as a Protestant chaplain with the Veterans Administration Health Care System for 27½ years in Bonham, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Big Spring, Texas. Whether standing behind a pulpit, sitting beside a hospital bed, or quietly encouraging someone in need, Clayton faithfully pointed others to the hope and comfort found in Jesus Christ.

Even retirement did not diminish his desire to serve. Following his years as a VA chaplain, he served five more years as Senior Adult Minister and Minister of Education at College Baptist Church in Big Spring, Texas. His life was a testimony that ministry is not simply a vocation but a lifelong calling to love God and love people.

After retirement, Clayton and Selma enjoyed 14 years in Fort Worth, Texas, before moving to Franklin, Tennessee, in 2004 to be closer to family. He treasured time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, delighting in seeing God's faithfulness continue through the generations. His gentle spirit, wise counsel, unwavering integrity, and deep love for God's Word left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Clayton is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Michelle Hicks of Thompsons Station, Tennessee; three granddaughters, Karis Cobb (Nicholas), Kali Henke (Will), and Kaia Hicks; and two great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Selma Louise Hicks; his son, John Crawford Hicks; his parents; three brothers, H.P., Malvin "Mutt," and Olan Hicks; and two sisters, Helen Lipsey and Leatrice Johnson.

Clayton's family is deeply grateful for the legacy of faith he leaves behind. While he will be greatly missed, they rejoice knowing his faith has become sight as he now worships the Savior he faithfully served throughout his life face to face.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Clearview Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice.

WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 615-794-2289, www.williamsonmemorial.com.