On October 22, 2024, God suddenly called Malcom Hix III and his trusty sidekick, Dax, the “best dog ever” home to heaven. Malcom Hix III, also known as “Mickey” was born on March 7, 1975, in Batesville, Arkansas to Malcom Hix Jr. and Jimmie Carol (Buie) Hix and waiting at home were two proud sisters, Tammy and Samantha. He arrived on this earth 3 months early and weighed a little over 2 pounds. Some say he got here early because he had lots of adventures and living to do. Malcom was baptized a Catholic as a baby.
Mickey thrived as he grew up and didn’t let his prematurity hold him back. He was filled with a wonder for the world, thrived on adventures, and learning new things. He loved his family and had a love for life that was contagious. His smile would light up a room, always ready with a hug, a sympathetic heart and encouragement for those who needed it.
Mick was fearless and encouraged by his family to follow his dreams; told that he could do anything that he set out to do. And that he did. At the age of 15, he started working at White River Bituminous with his Dad, sweeping the parking lot; but in no time he had mastered driving all of their heavy machinery equipment. He went on to work in a factory as a forklift driver for a while, but in his heart, he wanted to drive the big trucks like his Father. So, truck driving became his primary trade and he was the best at what he did. He drove local and long haul and was an owner-operator for a while.
His hobbies were endless, nothing slowed him down. Singing, playing the guitar, reading, history, hunting, fishing, boating, traveling, playing in a band, karaoke, cooking, 4 wheelers, trap shooting, certified gun instructor, motorcycles, bicycling, bodybuilding, 4 wheelers and even an airplane pilot for a while. Always learning something new…
Mickey’s life had struggles like anyone does, but his positive attitude helped him overcome them and go on. Along the way, he was blessed with 3 beautiful children who were the light of his life. Later he met the love of his life, Tiffany. The two of them were a match made in heaven and he gained another son, Caden when they married. He often said nothing is as good as being married to your best friend in the world. He made friends wherever he went and formed some strong friendship bonds that became family.
Mickey was a light in everyone’s lives that he touched. He was beloved, Son, Father, Husband, Brother, Uncle and Friend. His legacy of kindness, laughter, empathy and zest for life and living it to the fullest will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Mickey was preceded in death by his Mother, his niece Ashley Stovall; His grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Malcom Hix Sr.; Mr. & Mrs. James Ellis and Grandfather Jim Buie. Aunts Sue (Buie) Hayslip, Grace Butler and Uncle Charley Hix. And a close cousin Dohnny Holley.
Malcom is survived by his Father, wife Tiffany Hix and son Caden Robinson of the home; daughters Leandra Armendariz (Julio), Joshlyn Hix, and son Malcom Hix IV (Jocelyn) all of Batesville. Four Grandchildren, Haven, Ismay, JC and Presley. Sisters Tammy Milligan (Bryan) and Samantha (Donnie). Nephew Josh Gates (Tonya), Donald Thorne III; Niece McKenzie Taylor (Jordan), great-nephews and great-nieces, cousins, along with a host of bonus nephews and nieces, and a large family of friends.
Services will be held at Willis Funeral Service Chapel in Batesville, Arkansas on Friday, October 25, 2024, with visitation from 6 pm to 7 pm and an informal service at 8pm with family friend Brad Cooper officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Josh Gates, Johnny Butler, Bryan Milligan, Donnie Thorne, Wesley Cooley, Wyatt Cooley, Taylor Bullington, Bentley Bullington, Jason Cooper, Hunter McCraw, Mason Gates, Connor Suttle and Julio Armedariz. Cremation interment will be announced at a later date.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made in Mickey’s name to the Veterans Service Dogs and Diabetic Services at the following links: Pups4Patriots @ www.americanhumane.org and or Diabetic Service Dogs @ https://littleangelsservicedog.org
