COLUMBIA, Tenn.--- It is with profound sadness that we share that retired Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Eddie Hickman passed away. Mr. Hickman was a longtime educator, coach, and administrator who devoted his life to the students and schools of Maury County. A native of the community he would one day lead, Hickman built a career that spanned more than four decades in Maury County Public Schools, leaving a lasting impact on both academics and athletics across the district.

Hickman was a product of Maury County Public Schools, attending Highland Park Elementary School and Whitthorne Junior High School before graduating from Columbia Central High School in 1969. He continued his education at Columbia State Community College and later earned a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education, and recreation from Lipscomb University in 1973. He received a master’s degree in administration from Trevecca Nazarene University, preparing him for leadership roles in education.

He began his career in 1973 at Hampshire Unit School as a teacher and coach, working with both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. Over the years, he served in multiple schools across the district, including Mt. Pleasant High School and Whitthorne Junior High School, where he taught science and physical education while continuing to coach. In 1988, Hickman returned to Columbia Central High School, where he spent 16 years serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and ultimately principal.

In 2004, Hickman was named Director of Schools for Maury County Public Schools. Under his leadership, the school system grew and strengthened its academic and extracurricular programs.

Hickman was known for his hands-on leadership style and strong presence throughout the district. He regularly attended school and athletic events, supported fundraising efforts, and worked closely with the Maury County Public Schools Board of Education to advocate for students, teachers, and programs. One of his notable contributions was strengthening middle school athletics by requiring all programs to join the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association, helping create consistency and opportunity for student-athletes.

Hickman also supported initiatives that benefited both students and staff. He was involved in community partnerships such as the “Strive to Drive” program, which rewarded students for achievement and engagement, and he advocated for equitable support for all school employees, including proposing financial bonuses to ensure fairness among staff.

Athletics remained a cornerstone of Hickman’s legacy. Having been a student-athlete himself, he spent approximately 40 years involved in school sports as a coach, administrator, and supporter. He emphasized sportsmanship, discipline, and integrity, holding both athletes and coaches to high standards regardless of wins or losses.

Funeral arrangements: The family will visit with friends at the Columbia Central High School Event Center on Friday, April 3, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. A private family burial will follow.

Hickman left a legacy defined by commitment, leadership, and a deep connection to the community he served. His influence could be seen not only in the success of Maury County Public schools, but also in the generations of students, athletes, and educators whose lives he helped shape.

Please keep the Hickman family in your thoughts and prayers.

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