Willie Stuard Hickman, who held a number of roles in the Thoroughbred industry in Texas and Louisiana, passed away on March 15. He was hospitalized with pneumonia and was aged 64.
Born in Red Rock, Texas, Hickman trained racehorses and worked in the racing office at Sam Houston Race Park for more than two decades. As stall manager, racecourse coordinator and most recently, area coordinator, Hickman has a long relationship with riders in both the Thoroughbred and Tangerine races. He also did an excellent job as racing agent Alfonso Lujan. One of the most successful Quarter Horse riders in the region for 11 years, Lujan won more than 2,100 races before retiring in 2018.
“Willie is an important member of the Sam Houston racing office and is greatly respected by our riders,” said race secretary James Leatherman. “We appreciate his years of service and send our deepest condolences to his family.”
Hickman is survived by his daughter, Cheyenne Hickman; brother, Jimbo Hickman; niece and nephew, Chelsea and Justin; aunt, Betty Davis; and numerous relatives and friends. Before the death of their parents, William Earl and Mattie Ruth Hickman; and his daughter, Savannah Hickman.
A visit to Willie will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home, 107 W. Napoleon St., Sulfur, LA. The funeral will take place at Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Carlyss. Your family will pick you up on Monday at the funeral home from 10:00 am until service.
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This story was posted in Top News and tagged Louisiana, Official racing, Sam Houston Racing Park, Texas, coach, Willie Hickman.
