JOHN D. WICKER

John Davis Wicker "JD" of Gibsonville, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2019, at the age of 91 in Sumter.

Born on Sept. 18, 1927, in Alamance County, North Carolina, he was the son of Annie Cobb and William Larkin Wicker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Thelma, and his son and hunting partner, Thad.

He is survived by his two daughters, Jo Wicker Milkie (Tim) of Sumter, Patricia Wicker Conner (Benny) of Cocoa Beach, Florida; granddaughters Kimberly Wicker and Stephanie Wicker of Yorktown, Virginia; granddaughter Melissa Spielberger of Williamsburg, Virginia, and JD Holt (Robyn) of Columbia. He has great-grandchildren Tyler and Madison in Virginia; Davis and Ellie in South Carolina; and extended family in Sumter; granddaughters, Melody (Steve) Floyd, Shannon (Brooks) Wilkinson; and great-grandchildren, Kayla (Clay) Hardee, Hannah Floyd and Dakota Wilkinson in Sumter; and a great-grandson on the way in Yorktown, Virginia.

In addition to being a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was a WWII Navy veteran, a nuclear shipbuilder and QID inspector at Newport News Shipbuilding for 36 years of dedicated service. After retiring, he raised longhorn steers in Surry County, Virginia.

He loved to hunt and fish and loved growing a garden every year and spending time outdoors.

A private ceremony and burial will take place in Virgnia.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St. in Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.