Rotary International President
Roy D. Hickman
Taken from our 75th year commemorate book, which was dedicated to our
two international presidents, Frank M. Spain and Roy D. Hickman, we remember
today Roy Hickman. The Birmingham Rotary Club has one of the oldest and
richest histories in the country and especially in the U. S. Southland. This is made
possible by the work of our members now and those who preceded us. One of
those members who contributed so much to this club was Roy D. Hickman.
Roy Hickman was born on January 27th 1902 in Chattanooga,
Tennessee. His mother was widowed when Roy was only two years old. As
the youngest of six children he immediately developed a work ethic that would
serve him well all of his life. He first was employed with General Electric after
proving himself as a successful door-to-door salesman. He attended the University
of New Mexico where he studied business administration.
In 1926 Hickman came to Birmingham as a salesman for Alabama
Engraving Company and became a member of Rotary here in Birmingham in 1935.
His classification was “Printing and Publishing”, but his influence was felt in a
number of fields. He moved ahead on both the Rotary front and in his business
career with Alabama Engraving. As far as his business career, Roy soon became
Chairman of the Board of the engraving company and with its affiliate company,
Platemakers, the path was set for growth. Both of his partners were also members
of Rotary – Robert B. Faerber and Robert K. Monroe.
On the Rotary front, Roy Hickman was elected Director only three years
after becoming a member and at the age of only 39 became president. Then as
Birmingham celebrated its 100th anniversary Roy Hickman became this club’s
second international president. The year was 1972-1973.
As president of Rotary International, Roy traveled the world meeting with
international leaders including—Indira Ghandi. Roy Hickman’s expertise and
capacity for organization and efficiency have benefited the Chamber of Commerce
of this city, The United Fund and the Tuberculosis Association. The hard working
and energetic Roy Hickman died in 1994.