April 19, 1937 – May 21, 2025
Rev. Dr. Timothy R. Hickey was born in Saginaw, MI, to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hickey on April 19, 1937, and died May 21, 2025, in Palm Coast, FL.
He held degrees from Wheaton College, the Divinity School of Duke University, and the University of Michigan. He completed various post-graduate work in England, Ireland, and India.
Dr. Hickey was ordained in the Methodist Church in 1962. While in Divinity school, he served a rural four-point circuit in Jackson Springs, NC. His first full-time pastorate was at his home church, Jefferson Avenue, in Saginaw. While at the University of Michigan, he served as an associate pastor for youth and evangelism at the Ypsilanti Church. In 1967, Dr. Hickey was appointed to Trinity Church in Waterford, MI. Two years later, he moved to Embury Church in Birmingham, MI, where he held the position of senior minister. In June 1973, he became the senior minister of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rochester, where he remained for 27 years until his retirement in 2000. During his service at St. Paul’s, a three-million dollar, 1,000-seat sanctuary was added to accommodate the church’s growth. Timothy provided inter-denominational leadership in church renewal and growth. This was evident as the mission emphasis of the church became global when the annual subscribed budget approached 2 million dollars.
His love for the local church was affirmed by St. Paul’s in December 2001 when he was honored as Pastor Emeritus. Not only was Tim loved and respected by all whom he met, but he also loved and mentored many in his lifetime. Throughout his 40 years of service in the Church, twenty-seven were inspired by Tim’s preaching and love of God to go into the ministry.
His passions in serving the church included preaching the Word, missions, and evangelism. The cross had great meaning to Tim; it was a symbol of his deep faith and service to his Lord and Savior.
Tim and his wife, Betty Lou, were happily married for over 65 years. They had one son, Matthew, who predeceased him in 2010. Tim and Betty Lou enjoyed traveling and antiquing. One of their most memorable trips was celebrating the birthdays of Betty Lou and Matthew in Italy in 2008. Tim had a great passion for reading and playing cards with friends and family.
His “GOING HOME” service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rochester, MI. There will be a time of visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s UMC, 620 Romeo Rd, Rochester, MI 48307, or to The Timothy R. Hickey Scholarship Endowment at The Divinity School of Duke University, Duke Alumni Development and Records, Box 90851, Durham, NC 27708. When making donations to the Divinity School, please be sure to include the full name of the Endowment and Fund Code #618-3302 on the memo line. You can also call the records office at 919-684-2338.
Arrangements are in the care of Pixley Funeral Homes, Rochester, MI.
Last Updated on May 26, 2025