Dr. S. Keith Hickey

Dr. S. Keith Hickey of Sweetwater, passed away Wednesday, May 4 at the age of 61. The son of the late William S. Hickey Sr. and the late Joyce M. Hickey, Keith grew up in Sweetwater, attending the schools he would later lead. He was a 1972 graduate of Sweetwater High School, where he played football on the ’72 state championship team. He got his undergraduate degree from Tennessee Tech in 1976 and his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee a year later. In 1975, he married Teresa Plemons, his high school sweetheart. Keith began his career in education as a math teacher at Sweetwater Junior High School. Two years later he became principal at Sweetwater Elementary School. During his tenure there he continued his education and received his PhD from UT. At the age of 37, Keith was appointed superintendent of Sweetwater City Schools, a position he held for 20 years until his retirement in 2011. He was a lifelong member of Sweetwater United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities. He was an active member of the community having volunteered his time to many local events, was a member of the Kiwanis Club and youth softball coach. He loved all things sports and one of his greatest joys was attending UT football games. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William S. Hickey Jr; stepbrother, Baxter Edmondson. Keith is survived by his wife, Teresa; their children, Adam Hickey and Cory Hickey Wood, son-in-law, Casey Wood; grandchildren, Brooks and Dawson Wood; sister, Valerie Hickey Allmon; nephew, Drew Leinart; niece, Avery Leinart Felton and husband Joseph Felton; brother-in-law, Doug Plemons; step-father, Bill Edmondson; stepbrother, Ken Edmondson; and a wonderful group of cousins. The family will receive friends Saturday, May 7 from 11 am – 2 pm at Sweetwater United Methodist Church family life center. Celebration of life service will follow in the church sanctuary with Rev. Mike Hubble and Rev. Larry Orr officiating. Family and friends will meet at 12:15pm at Sweetwater Memorial Park on Sunday, May 8, 2016 for a 12:30pm interment. Pallbearers will be his great friends, Danny Cansler, Mickey Plemons, Larry Avens, Donnie Wilson, Eddie Knight, Scott White, Larry Belk, Richard Bettis, Brandon Cansler and Russell Belk. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sweetwater Education Foundation or Sweetwater United Methodist Church. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com

Dr. S. Keith Hickey

July 4, 1954 - May 4, 2016