Cliff Hicklen

Cliff J. Hicklen, was born on October 6, 1951 in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Katherine Hicklen and James Potts, he departed his earthly life on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at his home.

Cliff was a people person who enjoyed the art of conversation, sewing and cooking. His passion was music. He was a drum major at West Charlotte Senior high school.

He also played several instruments which included the piano, flute, cello and violin and sang in the chorus.

He loved music so much that the family often participated in sing-alongs and dancing to entertain at family functions.

Cliff a Tenor, earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from South Carolina State University, a Masters Degree in Physical Science from Illinois State University and a second Masters in Music Education from Colorado State University. Cliff was a seasoned professional in The Arts with over 26 years of experience entertaining audiences around the world. He traveled to Europe, Asia, Australia, and toured the United States performing “Porgy and Bess” in the role of Sportin’ Life. He also performed in “Dream Girls” as James Thunder Early, “Pippin” as Leading Player, “Chicago” as M. Sunshine; Blues for a Gospel Queen” as Ike Hockenhull, Rufus in “Tremonisha” and Gene in “Christmas in The Raw”.

He appeared at Walt Disney World as a Kid of the Kingdom and at Radio City Music Hall in the Christmas Spectacular as a New Yorker. Cliff was a featured soloist at Siloam Presbyterian Church, and elected to the Elder Board; he was also soloist of Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Church. For a time Cliff was the main singer and soloist in special performances for St. Leonards’ Church, St. Marks Church and St. Catherine Church.

Cliff was a member of Pure & Simple a children group that has performed in many schools in the New York area and also at the U. N. He was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a musical fraternity. He was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. where he once served as Assistant Chaplin.

Cliff was loved and adored and will be greatly missed.

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