Willie “Doug” James Hickman entered God’s loving arms on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at the age 76. Born on April 1, 1948, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, Willie was a beloved patriarch, dedicated educator, and devoted believer in Christ. In July 1974, he relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he worked as a boilermaker before joining Milwaukee Public Schools in 1987. Willie passionately shaped young minds until his retirement in 2011.
Willie pledged Phi Beta Sigma in 1970 at Mississippi Valley State. He was an avid card player, often hosting gatherings, and a car enthusiast who collected toy cars. He proudly owned a Corvette as a Brew City Corvette Club member.
Willie is survived by his ex-wife and lifelong companion, Sandra Hickman; his three daughters, Cartessia “Nikki” Seaborn (Gerald), Trecia Hickman Triplett (Ameer), and Twanna Gilliard (Jon-Telley); his grandchildren, Brianna Lemmie, Christian Lemmie, Kiante Lemmie, Alexis Jackson, Ayala Seaborn, Kailynn Gilliard, Brooklynn Gilliard, and Aja Seaborn; his brothers, Cleotris Hickman and Elijah Backstrom; his sisters, Rosie Helen Triplett, Dena Williams, Debra Glover, and Tonya Hill; aunt Obie Dan Houston and uncle Earnest Houston and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Willie was preceded in death by his mother, Erma Jean Pratt, his father, Elijah Backstrom, his sister, Willie Jean Fredricks, and his stepson, Anthony Edwards.
Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Additional Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery, 6401 North 43 Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Willie "Doug" J. Hickman, please visit our Tribute Store.