Rudolph"Rudy" Alphonso Hickman

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 On Tuesday, August 21, 2012, surrounded by family and friends, almighty God in His infinite wisdom and grace, called our beloved, Rudolph Alfonso “Rudy” Hickman from life to life eternal. Rudy was the youngest son born to the late Washington Hickman and Deaconess Virginia Hall Hickman. He took his first breath of life on April 2, 1950 here in Richmond, Virginia. He attended more Street missionary Baptist Church with his father and brothers and other family members. However, once moving to the Highland Park section of the city he was baptized at Fifth Street Baptist Church during the pastorate of Dr. Roscoe D. Cooper, Jr. Rudy was in 1968 graduate of Maggie L. Walker High School and was most remembered for running track and of the lead role of Porgy in the classes theatrical performance of “Porgy and Bess.” Upon graduating from Walker he matriculated into Virginia Union University and received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Being passionate about law he matriculated to the Howard University School of Law in Washington D.C.and received his Juris Doctor. His employment career began with the Richmond Community Action Program (RCAP). From there he was employed with the state of Virginia's Department of Personnel and Training. Rudy accept a position with the Pennsylvania Electric and Power Company (PENELEC) and relocated to Johnstown, Pennsylvania. During this time in Johnstown he taught at the Johnstown, PA Community College. In 2000, Rudy returned to Richmond. Rudy embrace the beauty around him and because of his love for photography he started Rudolph Hickman Photography, LLC. As his niece and apprentice Candice so aptly put it “he could see the beauty and splendor and things that others would miss with the ordinary eye.” His pictures have been featured and the Richmond Free Press as well as on several local television stations. Rudy was a prolific writer as well. He formed it collaboration with the Examiner.com as a freelance writer. In his writings he covered the city Richmond and reported on a myriad of topics in the Richmond area; i.e. the Richmond Boys Choirs receipt of a Resolution and recognition for fifteen years of service to the community; the plight of crime in the Highland Park Community as children, youth, men, women and the elderly continue to be plagued by the senseless acts of those inside and outside of the neighborhood. Requesting meetings of local and community officials was mandatory for him as he sought to make his community a safer place for all. He had an avid love for his, alma mater Virginia Union University and work with the Boosters and the Bronco - Steven's Alumni Association. He also spent many hours with the universities football team. Rudy was a dedicated father, son, brother and friend. He was predeceased by his father, Washington Alexander Hickman,Sr.; daughter, Virginia “ Skeeter” Hickman; brother, Washington Alexander “Butch” Hickman, Jr; maternal grandparents, Ralph H. and Queenie Esther Hall; and paternal grandparents, Philip S. And Lillian Hickman. Rudy was a dedicated father, son, brother and friend. He leaves behind a wife; Karen Hickman, one daughter, Adia Dobbins, one sister-in-law, Judy Wardlaw; a loving and devoted family; mother; Deaconess Virginia Hall Hickman; sister, Rev. Linda Hickman-Pearson (Rev. Anthony); brother, James E. Hickman, Sr. ;(Yolanda “Dolly”), five aunts, two uncles, cousins, one devoted, Philip D. Thomas, a host of nieces and nephews other relatives and friends, including to devoted Ava Reaves and Jerome Reid.

Tributes

Rudolph"Rudy" Alphonso Hickman

April 2, 1950 - August 21, 2012