HICKS, Bernard C. (aka Bernie or Bit), of Chesapeake, Va., born January 6, 1927, went to his eternal golf course on June 14, 2015 at the age of 88. He was predeceased by his mother, Arlie Gill Hicks Buchanan; and father, William I. Hicks Sr.; a brother, Lee Hicks; and the aunt and uncle who raised him from a very early age, Evelyn and Herbert Woods. He is survived by his brother, William I. Hicks Jr. (Kitty). Bit leaves behind a very special cousin, Evelyn C. Woods; nephews, Billy Hicks (Cheryl), Tim Hicks; and a niece, Carolyn Colvin. He is also survived by his goddaughter, Kelly Hicks and her brother, Travis Hicks. Bernie will be forevermore missed by his devoted companion of 35 years, Fran Starke. Bernie was born in Richmond, Va., and attended Varina High School. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and became an aviator radio operator. His love of guns and electronic equipment repair was a lifelong passion. He was an avid golfer and had won numerous tournaments. He was a 66-year member of the American Legion Post 0004 in Baltimore, Md. He lived most of his adult life in Baltimore, Md., before returning to Richmond for a short period. After he was employed by the Virginia State Police as an Electronics Technician, he moved to Chesapeake, Va. He retired after 19 years with the State Police but kept contact with the many good friends he made while working there. A service will be held Wednesday, June 17, at 11 a.m., with a visitation at 10 a.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, Va. 23231. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Richmond, Va. Online condolences may be left at www.nelsenrichmond.com.