Obituary
Joseph Ryan Hicks “Joey”
November 9,1980-April 4,2023
Our Joey passed away on April 4, 2023, at home in Orlando, Florida at the age of 42. Joey
was born at Holiday Hospital in Orlando on November 9,1980. Joey is survived by his children
Payton, River, and Tyson, along with his step-son Liam. He is also survived by his parents,
Michael and Patricia, Brother Ian (Nathan, Parker and Grayson), half brothers Aaron and Noah
Canada, half sister Carleigh Canada,and his loving fiance Jennifer Merrick. He is also survived
by Aunts, Uncles, and tons of cousins, all of whom loved him as their own, and kept him in their
hearts and minds always.
Joey was very proud to be from Central Florida and lived his whole life in the area. He
attended Woodlands Elementary School, Rock Lake Middle School, and Lake Mary High
School. He always considered himself a “Seminole County Kid”, where he played Pop Warner
and Little League, and then later Football and Baseball at Lake Mary High School.
Throughout his life, he held those memories and friendships close to his heart. Always ready for
mischief, he recounted those years with a laugh and a shake of his head, saying those were
the most fun days of his life. Oh, the stories that could be told…
Joey struggled with challenges most of his life, but through it all, he never lost his sense of
curiosity and wonder. He loved figuring out how things worked. He loved to read, and soaked
up information like a sponge. He was a Master of useless trivia, and would definitely be the guy
you called as your lifeline should you ever be on “Who wants to be a Millionaire!”
Joey sought out and embraced God as he got older, and was baptized a few years ago. Even
in the midst of the most troubling times, he prayed for strength, hope and forgiveness. He felt
things so very deeply, and as he searched for answers to things he tried to understand, and
found some peace and relief in his study of his Bible.
Joey was preceded in death by his Mema and Papa, as well as his Dad Steve. We know that
they are together, watching Florida State or the Cowboys, and waiting for the day we are all
together again. And he is smiling.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Assembly,
2740 East Michigan Street, Orlando Florida
Cremation arrangements are being handled by Baldwin Brothers Cremation Service, Apopka,
Florida.
Please feel free to sign the guest book.
Having you go is something I will never get over!
I love you pal
Rest in Paradise old friend! I will see you again someday
Joey and Justin
my dad and i
Senior year trip. Cancun
It’s been a long time but we knew each other for years. I can remember walking home from elementary school with you. You were always picking on everyone but for some reason you and I always had a good friendship. I can remember the last time I saw you I was really proud of you. You said you wanted to be a chef. You wore a tough exterior front but you were sweet and soft on the inside. I can always remember you looking out for my little brother in school. I hope you are cheering for the Seminoles and finally in peace. Until we meet again.
Love,
Donna