It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our Cecil William Hickam III, affectionately known as Double. Cecil left us suddenly and unexpectedly on Aug. 25, 2026. He grew up in Pulaski County with his parents Bill and Lydia, and his three sisters, Reyn, Nancy and Georgie. He attended Pulaski County High School, where he met his wife at the young age of 15. After high school, Cecil attended Hampden-Sydney College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, graduating Magna Cum Laude and receiving the prestigious honor of election to Phi Beta Kappa. Cecil also received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award at Hampden-Sydney College, which recognizes individuals who place service to others before self-interest. Cecil worked his junior and senior year at Hampden-Sydney College as a mentor to students in Prince William County, where he discovered his passion for teaching. He later received his Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Lesley University while working and rearing his family in Savannah. Caroline and Cecil married in 1992, and moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he accepted a job teaching middle school math and science at Savannah Country Day School. Cecil eventually moved out of a teaching role into a leadership role as vice principal of the middle school.
During his time in Savannah, he served as the director of the Savannah Parochial Athletic League for 11 years. Cecil and Caroline were blessed with two beautiful children, both of whom he adored. After living 15 glorious years in Savannah, an opportunity to move closer to family presented itself. Cecil returned to his passion for teaching in the classroom as a math teacher at Radford High School. He started a non-profit organization, Students vs. Cancer, to help students within a 50-mile radius who were diagnosed with cancer. Cecil believed this was one way he could actively help after knowing many students, friends, and family members who had battled this cruel disease. Cecil will forever be remembered by his family, friends, and students as a standard by which to live. He was the model of integrity to all who crossed his path. We are all grateful for our time with him. Cecil is survived by his wife, Caroline Hickam of 34 years; his daughter, Madeline Shinn and husband Christian Shinn, and their child, his grandson, Walker Shinn; and his son, Liam Hickam. Cecil is also survived by his parents, Bill Hickam and Lydia Jordan Hickam; his sister Reyn Payne, and husband Mike Payne; his sister Nancy Halloran, and husband Tim Halloran; and his sister Georgie Walker, and husband Brent Walker.
A memorial service will be held today, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at Radford University’s Bondurant Auditorium, with visitation starting at 5 p.m. and memorial to follow at 7 p.m. with Danny Collins officiating. The family is in the care of Norris Funeral Services – Pulaski.
