David Lloyd Hicks

David Lloyd Hicks, 75, born on October 16, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, only son of Paul H.Hicks and Elaine Brower Hicks, passed away peacefully August 11, 2017, at home in Alta Loma, California, following a short battle with Lymphoma. Affectionately known as "Turbo Dave," by those who knew him, he was an Eagle Scout in the Ole 97 Boy Scouts, and a graduate of White Station High School, Memphis, Tennessee. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Business from Memphis State University in 1963, and then joined the United States Air Force as an Officer. He and Charlene Graham, his high school sweetheart, were married June 15,1963.

David served his country with distinction as a Navigator in the United States Air Force for 23 years. Initially at Lockbourne AFB, David was an Instructor Navigator on KC-135 Strato Tankers, along with pilot Tom Young. After a relatively short time, their crew, R-101, became crew S-101, the youngest Select Crew in the entire Strategic Air Command. During this time, Crew S-101 had three Boom Operators and numerous co-pilots, but David's superior knowledge and high standards helped make Crew S-101 one of the best in SAC. S-101 was called to fly several combat tours  in Southeast Asia where David's calm performance and skill as a Navigator were directly responsible for saving the lives of numerous pilots and their aircraft after they ran short of fuel in the skies of North Vietnam. He was always thinking ahead and planning for every emergency where his aircraft and the fuel it carried could make a difference. He later served as Chief Life Support Officer at Clark AFB Philippines, a Navigator with 5th Air Force, Yokota AFB Japan, and then served as a Reconnaissance Navigator for Airborne Command and Control at Strategic Air Command Offutt AFB. He received the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Upon retiring from the USAF, he worked 20 years for Lockheed Martin in Ontario, CA. He served as a Program Manager responsible for managing the A-4 M Skyhawk Program for the Fuerza Area de Argentina, as well as other programs for both the Chinese and Taiwanese governments.

David had an enduring influence on countless lives with his vitality and tenacious spirit. He was a member of the Iron Butt Motorcycle Association, completing many long-distance Road Rallies and finished the 11 day- 11,00 mile 2009 Iron Butt Rally across the United States. David was the founder of the Old Fogie Motorcycle Riders Club, and was past President of the Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club in the Philippines, and an Honorary Member of the Sukkari Motorcycle Club in Japan. Additionally, he was a proud member of the Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, where he served in many capacities, including as 2013 Noble Grand Humbug, and was currently the Chapter's Good Will Ambassador.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Charlene, his sister Paula Hicks-Platt of Michie, TN, daughter Erin Gonzalez-Hicks of Alta Loma, CA, son David Hicks Jr., and daughter in law Rebecca Black of Seattle, WA.