Former official dead

Friends are remembering Rockwood resident and former Roane County commissioner Don “Duck” Wicks as a man who had a big impact on his community.

Wicks, who is the father of General Sessions Judge Jeff Wicks, died on Wednesday. He was 77.

He served on the Roane County Commission from 1986-94 and again from 2002-06.

“Commissioner Wicks was one of the best commissioners I ever served with,” Roane County Attorney Tom McFarland said. “He knew the budget inside and out.”

“We’ve lost a real pillar,” Rockwood resident Wayne Pugh said.

“He had a quiet dignity about him,” Micki Shumate said. “I never heard him make a derogatory remark about anyone.”

Shumate, now of Chattanoga, Pugh and Wicks were members of Rockwood High School’s Class of 1955.

“He was one of the finest Southern gentlemen you would ever meet,” Shumate said. “We were fortunate to have known him.”

Pugh and Shumate credited Wicks with helping organize their 50th class reunion and Rockwood Classmates, which they said is a recurring reunion for anyone who attended the school.

“We have 400 people show up sometimes,” Pugh said.

Rockwood resident Bob Meadows said the organizers have decided to dedicate this year’s reunion to Wicks.

“He’s going to be missed by a lot of people,” Meadows said.

Wicks was a member of the Rockwood Civitan Club and Rockwood Church of Christ. His complete obituary can be found on Page 6 of today’s Roane County News.