In Loving Memory of Hosea Oliver McMickens

Hosea Oliver McMickens, age 88, of Cherokee County, Georgia, peacefully passed away on July 24, 2026. He was born on January 18, 1938, in Cherokee County, Georgia, to the late Robert Lewis McMickens and Tressie Ophilia Humphries McMickens.

Hosea lived a life defined by love, hard work, faithfulness, and family. At just 15 years old, he married the love of his life, Fannie Varner, who was only 14. Fannie had moved to Cherokee County from Palmetto, Georgia, when she was seven years old, and together they built a remarkable life centered on devotion to one another and the family they cherished. Their marriage spanned more than 60 wonderful years until Fannie's passing in 2015. Even after all those years, Hosea would lovingly say that no one could make biscuits quite like Fannie. Those meals shared around the family table remained among his sweetest memories and reminded him every day of the love they shared.

A gifted mechanic by trade, Hosea believed in the value of honest work. He took great pride in providing for his family and was known for his incredible work ethic. Even when he wasn't feeling his best, he rarely missed a day on the job. Friends and coworkers admired his determination, dependability, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed.

Cars and racing were among Hosea's greatest passions. His lifelong dream was to become a race car driver, and over the years he was able to fulfill that dream by racing himself. He loved the sound of a powerful engine, enjoyed working on cars, and never lost his appreciation for speed and competition. A devoted NASCAR fan, he faithfully cheered for his favorite drivers and rarely missed a race.

His love of sports ran just as deep. Hosea was a lifelong supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs and found immense joy watching his son, Donnie McMickens, wear the red and black while playing football for the Bulldogs. He was especially proud that Donnie shared the field and formed a friendship with the legendary Herschel Walker, a memory he treasured throughout his life. When football season wasn't underway, Hosea could often be found enjoying professional wrestling, especially the NWA, watching a good cowboy movie, or relaxing with one of his favorite classic westerns.

Anyone who knew Hosea also knew he loved to eat. Family meals were some of his happiest moments, and he especially looked forward to his sister Tressie Marie's home cooking. Her pinto beans, cornbread, creamed potatoes, fried chicken, and peach cobbler were among his favorite meals, and sharing those dishes with family always brought him great happiness.

Hosea also treasured the simple memories of childhood. His sister, Tressie Marie, often recalled the days when the two of them would spend hours playing together in the dirt outside until their mother would step onto the porch and call them inside. Those carefree moments became cherished stories that the family would smile about for generations.

Above all else, Hosea loved his family. His greatest accomplishments were never measured by awards or possessions but by the generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were blessed by his love, guidance, and example. He taught those around him the importance of working hard, staying true to your word, loving your family without condition, and appreciating life's simple blessings. His quiet strength, warm heart, gentle humor, and unwavering devotion created a legacy that will live on for generations.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: David Lee McMickens of Canton, Georgia; Sue Ellen McMickens (Pye Echols) of Canton, Georgia; Robert McMickens (Brinca); Maryann Johnson (Robert) of Rockmart, Georgia; and his youngest daughter, Angelia Echols (Roy) of Canton, Georgia. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy McMickens of Canton and Tressie Marie Barrett of Woodstock; 18 cherished grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Fannie Varner McMickens; his daughter, Glenda McMickens; his son, Donnie McMickens; and his parents, Robert Lewis McMickens and Tressie Ophilia Humphries McMickens.

Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, Hosea's family finds comfort in the countless memories he leaves behind. They will forever remember his laughter, his love of racing and football, his enjoyment of cowboy movies, his appreciation for a home-cooked meal, and the steadfast love he showed his family every day of his life.

A memorial service celebrating Hosea's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in the Chapel of Darby Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the service hour. Reverend Dan Varner will officiate.

As Hosea crossed life's final finish line, he left behind far more than memories. He left a legacy of faithfulness, perseverance, kindness, and unconditional love. His family will forever hear his laughter, remember his stories, smile when they watch a race, cheer for the Georgia Bulldogs, enjoy a cowboy movie, or gather around a table filled with biscuits, cornbread, fried chicken, and peach cobbler. Though he will be deeply missed every day, his love will continue to live on in every life he touched.

"A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered." Forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts.