Earl R. Hickey, 81, of McDonald, after a lengthy illness, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, March 29, 2012, at his residence.

He was a member of Ooltewah Church of God.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He was a former president of the United Paper Workers International Union, Hiwassee Land Division. He retired from Bowater in 1993 after 25 years of service.

Following his retirement, he was instrumental in the organization and operation of the McDonald Volunteer Fire Department and was commander of Station No. 4 for five years. He was active in McDonald Ruritan Club and served as president for two terms. He enjoyed singing bass in a gospel quartet, reading and playing golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William H. and Emma L. Hickey; brothers: George Hickey, Billy Hickey, Paul Hickey and Luther Hickey; and sister, Mildred Walker.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Alvena Russell Hickey of McDonald; daughter, Dr. Gail Hickey and husband, Robert Humphreys, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; son, the Rev. Curtis Hickey and wife, Mona, of Monroe, N.C.; grandchildren: Ethan Hickey and Jena Hickey; sisters: Naomi Waggle of Kokomo, Ind., and Lois Dowden of Greentown, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday April 2, 2012, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral with his son, the Rev. Curtis Hickey, and the Rev. Gary Beck officiating.

Interment will follow in Corinth Baptist Cemetery in McDonald with military honors. The Bradley County Volunteer Fire Department will serve as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 this evening at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials be made to Bradley County Fire Rescue, McDonald Station No. 4., 214 McDonald School Road S.W., McDonald TN 37353

You are invited to send a message of condolence and view the Hickey guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.