Mr. Ralph Van Hicks, 57, of Fayetteville, died on March 13, 2010 following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Van was a loving husband, father, brother and son and was the “ultimate family man.” He was active for many years in youth sports leagues in the Morrow and Lake City area. He is still affectionately known to many as “Coach Van.” He and his wife Karen owned and operated Karavan Doors for 27 years. He was a member of Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church and enjoyed photography and film making in his spare time.

Van is preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Dawn Hicks. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Karen Hicks, of Fayetteville; son, Cody Adam Hicks (Meredith) of Smyrna, GA; brothers, Gregory Dean Hicks of Dallas, GA, Mark Anthony Hicks (Kimberly) of Douglasville, GA; grandson Easton Barrett Hicks; and parents Myrl and Ralph Hicks of Fayetteville, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at the Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church with the Rev. Dennis Watson officiating. The burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Carl J. Mowell and Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Society at www.pancan.org.

Carl J. Mowell & Son, Fayetteville (www.mowellfuneralhome.com).