Billy Joe Wicker

Billy Joe Wicker, 89, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away on January 23, 2024, at Craighead Nursing Center after complications from dementia.

Billy Joe was born on December 26, 1934, to the late William Earnest and Nellie Mae Phillips Wicker in Adamsville, Tennessee. 

He had lived in Jonesboro most of his life and was a devoted long-time member and deacon of the First Freewill Baptist Church in Jonesboro. He enjoyed gardening and all competitive sports. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents and his 3 sisters, he was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jackie Becker.

Billy Joe is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marian Jo Nixon Wicker and 4 children: Steve and Lou Ann Wicker of Decatur, AL; Julia and Mike Russell of Morris Chapel, TN; Regina Becker (Alan Holloway) of Jonesboro, AR; and Jeff and Debbie Wicker of Jonesboro, AR. 

He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Jeremy and Kela Russell; Josh and Mandy Russell; Scott and Keisha Wicker; Jenni and Tony Moffett; Jason and Suzie Becker; Stephanie and Robert Pfeil; Bill and Kristie Becker; Jordan Wicker (Jeremy Irvin); Jacob Becker (Lauren Garrison); Tanner and Kristen McElrath; Whitten Wicker; Ben Wicker and Presley Wicker.  He is also survived by 21 great grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at 1 pm Saturday, January 27th at First Freewill Baptist Church, 5407 Stadium Blvd, followed by the service at 2 pm officiated by Bro. Mike Corley and Bro. Bill Becker.  Burial will be at 2 pm, Sunday, January 28th at Jonesboro Memorial Park.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to First Freewill Baptist Church in Jonesboro or to the Alzheimer's Association. Arkansas Chapter: ALZ Arkansas