Donald Ray Big “D” Hickey, 59, of Kirbyville, formerly of Beaumont passed away Thursday, April 8, 2010.  Born June 15, 1950, in Beaumont and graduated from French High School in 1969.

Survivors include his wife, Vera Hickey of Kirbyville; mother, Lois Fore Hickey Kirkland of Beaumont; sister, Patricia Shimek and her husband Larry of Beaumont; step-sister, Janet Born and her husband Cliff of Victoria; son, Joel Hickey and his wife Emily; and Jeff Hickey and his wife Kelle all of Lake Jackson; step-son, Troy May and his wife Shai of Baytown; step-daughter, Kimberly May of Silsbee; grandchildren, Shawn Hickey, Leahna Hickey and Nadia Hickey; step-grandchildren, Shelly May, Alan Hagan, Tiffany Lummus, Aaron Hagan, T.J. May, Cory Lummus and Austin May; nieces, Stephanie Shimek, Heather Rudd and her husband Marcus, Abby Sanders and her husband Earl and Leigh Ann Born; great niece, Madalyn Sanders.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold C. Hickey; and step-father, Lloyd Kirkland; step-son, William May, Jr.

Mr. Hickey worked at Beaumont Water Department as a young man. He retired from Southwestern Bell/AT&T after thirty-two years, currently working part-time at Orange County Building Materials in Lumberton.  He received a Diesel Mechanic certificate and A/C Refrigeration Associates degree from LIT in Beaumont.

Mr. Hickey was loving, friendly, helpful, big tease, never met a stranger, but would help one if need be.  He loved to ride his Harley Davidson Road King and tinker with old cars.  Mr. Hickey was a member of Cowboy Hog Chapter and National Harley Owners Group.

His graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 11, 2010, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.  A gathering of his family and friends will begin at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 7015, Beaumont, Texas 77726.