Hicks History

1917 Our Story Begins with Dr. Lev H. Hicks

The Hicks family’s veterinary legacy began with Dr. Lev H. Hicks, who graduated from the United States College of Veterinary Surgeons in Washington, DC, in 1917. Shortly after, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps on July 20, 1917, and deployed to France in 1918 during World War I.

While serving under the distinguished General Lloyd M. Brett, Dr. Hicks cared for cavalry horses and mules on the battlefield, applying his expertise to support both the animals and the soldiers who relied on them. His dedication and service laid the foundation for a family tradition of compassionate, professional veterinary care that continues in Rocky Mount today.

1920’s Hicks Veterinary Hospital: A Legacy in Rocky Mount

In 1920, Dr. Lev H. Hicks and his family settled in Rocky Mount and founded Hicks Veterinary Hospital. He first practiced near downtown on Tarboro Street by the old Ford dealership before relocating to the familiar North Main Street location. Known for his unwavering dedication to veterinary care, Dr. Hicks often worked seven days a week and also served the community as a city meat inspector.

Tragically, in 1947, while serving as an expert witness on an animal case for the railroad in Winton, NC, Dr. Hicks suffered a fatal heart attack. He left behind two sons, both of whom became veterinarians.

The younger son, Warren H. “Buddy” Hicks, graduated in 1943 from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He briefly worked in a small animal hospital in Washington, DC, before being called to serve in World War II. As a member of the Army Medical Administrative Corps, he was stationed in New York City, where he inspected meats for the military and met his future wife, Carolyn Tatum. After the war, Buddy moved to Opelika, Alabama, where he joined the Tatum family car dealership and eventually stepped away from veterinary practice.

1950’s Continuing the Legacy: Dr. Robert G. Hicks

The elder son, Dr. Robert G. “Bob” Hicks, graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1943, a different class than his brother Buddy. After graduation, he opened the only veterinary clinic in Robersonville, NC, where he met and married Ethel Smith.

Following the passing of Dr. Lev H. Hicks in April 1947, Dr. Bob returned to Rocky Mount to continue the family’s veterinary practice. Known for his love and care for all creatures—large and small, and occasionally unusual visitors like monkeys or alligators—he became a beloved figure in the community.

Dr. Bob was also known for his adventurous spirit: he often carried a two-way radio with a long antenna in his car to communicate with the hospital during farm calls and was famous for speeding around town in his Oldsmobile 98, antenna parallel with the trunk lid. Energetic, humorous, and dedicated, he worked tirelessly to provide professional veterinary care to his clients and their pets.

Like his father before him, Dr. Bob passed away from a heart attack in 1982, leaving behind a legacy carried on by his sons, Bobby and Stuart Hicks, who continued the family tradition of veterinary excellence in Rocky Mount.

1970’s Dr. Robert F. Hicks (Bobby): Continuing the Family Tradition

Dr. Robert F. “Bobby” Hicks graduated from Auburn University Veterinary School in 1973. After a postgraduate year with Dr. Tommy Needham in Wilmington, NC, he returned to Rocky Mount in 1974 to work alongside his father. His passion for small animal practice led him to The Animal Medical Center in New York City, where he completed a one-year internship and a two-year residency focused on internal medicine. During his final year in New York, he met his wife, Dr. Ann McGowan, also a veterinarian.

After a brief period back in Wilmington and time spent in Raleigh working in emergency, locum, and house-call veterinary practices, Dr. Bobby returned to Rocky Mount following his father’s passing in 1982. He and Dr. Ann established their practice in the original Hicks Veterinary Hospital on North Main Street. In 2002, they relocated to Benvenue Animal Hospital on NC 43, continuing to provide compassionate, professional veterinary care to the Rocky Mount community.

On October 1, 2015, after decades of dedicated service, Dr. Bobby and Dr. Ann retired, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in veterinary care that spanned four generations.

Dr. Stuart Hicks (Smith): Expanding the Family Legacy

Dr. Stuart Hicks graduated from Auburn University Veterinary School in 1976, where he met his future wife, Dee Dee Cheek. After graduation, they married and moved to Lexington, KY, where Dr. Stuart worked under the renowned Dr. D.L. Proctor, Jr., a leading veterinary practitioner and surgeon in the equestrian circuit. During this time, Dr. Stuart focused exclusively on equine medicine, treating top Thoroughbred racehorses in the area, including Secretariat’s first yearlings at the Keeneland auctions.

In late 1977, he briefly practiced at a small animal clinic in Wilmington, NC, before returning to Rocky Mount in early 1978 to join his father at Hicks Veterinary Hospital. Together, they cared for small animals, while also covering farm and horse calls—ensuring comprehensive veterinary services for the surrounding community.

After the passing of his father in 1982, Dr. Stuart moved the practice from downtown Rocky Mount to Hicks Animal Clinic on Sunset Avenue, later relocating in 1990 to its current location at 3200 Sunset Avenue. Today, the Hicks family legacy continues with his son, Michael Hicks, representing the fourth generation of dedicated veterinarians serving Rocky Mount and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Michael Hicks: The Fourth Generation

Dr. Michael Hicks graduated from Saint George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. Early in his career, he completed an externship at an integrative veterinary practice, gaining experience in acupuncture and herbal therapy. He then worked at a high-volume spay and neuter shelter for five months before moving to Johnson City, Tennessee, where he practiced at a small animal clinic, rotating between multiple locations and providing both general practice and overnight emergency care.

After nearly three years in Johnson City, Dr. Michael returned home to Rocky Mount to transition into the family business, continuing the Hicks family legacy of compassionate, professional veterinary care that spans four generations.