Lelon P. Hicks III

Lelon Purcell Hicks III (affectionately known by family and friends as “Buggy”) was born on January 21, 1970, to the late Lelon Jr. and Mildred Hicks on Fort Ord Army Base in Monterey County, California. Lelon was the middle child in a family that made sure he was immersed in the Apostolic faith from a young age. His family were active members of the Bethesda Apostolic Church in Fresno, California under the leadership of the late Bishop Henry L. Johnson. Lelon services as Bishop Johnson’s armor-bearer. Lelon attended and graduated from Fresno High School in 1988 and joined the United States Army shortly thereafter. During his service in the Army, he received numerous accolades including a National Defense Service Medal. Lelon married Janelle Johnson of Fresno, California and their union produced two children: Sha-Ron in 1991 and JaVonte’ in 1995. After their union ended, Lelon relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in 1997. He joined Temple of Greater Beth-El under the leadership of Bishop Gregory Newman. Lelon served as armor-bearer for Bishop Newman for 10 years. Lelon was best known at church for his impeccable style and class. He loved fashion and donned many custom-made sleeveless suits, French-cuffed shirts, and his favorite alligator shoes. In 2002, Lelon married Stacy Cain of San Diego, California and their union produced four children: Aiden in 2006, Sydney in 2007, Andrew in 2012, and Avery in 2018. Lelon and Stacy settled in Surprise, Arizona, and worked hard raising their children while maintaining full-time jobs and obtaining their college degrees from Arizona State University. Lelon had a love for college football (Go Buckeyes!), grilling, watching gangster movies and spending time with his family. Although the end of his life was marred with self-doubt and sorrow, he leaves behind a strong legacy that will continue on with his six children for generations to come. Lelon passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022, in Surprise, Arizona at the age of 52. Lelon is preceded in death by parents: Lelon Hicks Jr., and Mildred Hicks. Lelon leaves to cherish his memories: His wife of 20 years, Stacy Hicks; Former spouse: Janelle Dillard; Children: Sha-Ron, JaVonte’, Aiden, Sydney, Andrew, and Avery; Siblings: Derek, Dion, Norchelle, David, and Helen; Uncle: Richard (Wendy) Hicks; Nieces and nephews: Brittany, Deron, Sarea, Karonn, Jarron, Olivia, Briana, David Jr., Isaiah, Ciara, Daevon, Damon, Darian, Jamison and Jonas; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A visitation and funeral service will be held starting at 1:30 pm, Friday, June 17th at Thompson Funeral Chapel; Address: 926 S Litchfield Road. Goodyear Arizona, 85338.

Lelon P. Hicks III

June 16, 2022