Stuart Knewstep Hicks, Jr.

Stuart Knewstep Hicks Jr., 94, of Atlantic Beach passed away on December 19th, 2025. He was born on February 13, 1931, in Richmond, Virginia.

A proud Virginian by birth, Stuart spent much of his professional life traveling across the United States during his long career with CSX. His work took him to Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Richmond, Baltimore, and Cincinnati. Upon retiring, he made his final stop in Florida settling in Atlantic Beach in1987, where he embraced the community as his permanent home.

In retirement, Stuart discovered a passion for tennis as a dedicated umpire which he enjoyed for over 30 years. He officiated at prestigious events, including the US Open and the Miami Open. However, some of his most cherished moments came from his local contributions: serving as President of the North Florida Tennis Umpires Association (NFTUA), officiating college matches at the University of North Florida (UNF) and Jacksonville University (JU) and supporting programs at the Malivai Washington Youth Center in Jacksonville.

Stuart is survived by his daughter, Beverly Flanagan (Mike), and son, Stuart K. Hicks, III, his grandchildren, Alexander and Michael Flanagan and his sisters, Maxine Neagle and Mary Jean Deal. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Ross Hicks and his sister, Beverly Darnell.

A Celebration of Life for Stuart will be held on Tuesday, December 30th from 5:30p.m. to 7: 30p.m at the Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL, 32233.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Mayo Clinic or the Malivai Washington Youth Foundation. (Checks can be sent to 1055 W 6th St., Jacksonville, FL 32209.)