Estel H. Hicks, 89, of Athens, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at his residence. A native of Polk County, he lived in McMinn County for 44 years. A son of the late James L. and Martha Jane Shell Hicks, he was an employee of the L&N Railroad for 26 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Jossie "Joe" Womack Hicks; one daughter, Linda Sue Hicks; one sister and six brothers.Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Hoyt Melton of Athens, with whom he made his home; two sons and daughters-in-law, R.L. and Joan Hicks and Harold and Brenda Hicks, all of Athens; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Courtney Melton and Shannon Gibson, both of Athens, Teresa and Jeffrey Buchanan of Etowah, David and Penny Melton of Jasper, Ala., Sonya and Greg Jenkins of Riceville, Lee and Sharon Hicks of Athens, and Dana and Keith Henry and Dewayne Hicks, all of Athens; 12 great-grandchildren, Kylie Buchanan, Amberly Melton, Ashlyn Melton, Sierra Gibson, Talon Gibson, Morgan Jenkins, Rachel Jenkins, Austin Hicks, Madison Hicks, Michael Ratledge and Cody and Tyler Burger; three sisters-in-law, Virginia Womack of New Port Richey, Fla., Essie Higgins of Whitwell, and Vivian Womack of Calhoun; and several nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Meadowfork Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Ingram officiating. The body will lie in-state for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Meadowfork Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Melton, Lee Hicks, Bud Walker, Jeff Morris, Billy Ingram and Steve Plumly.The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.