Orange Mound family demands justice for father of eight killed while changing tires in supermarket

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – An Orange Mound family is urgently asking the public for help in identifying the person responsible for the untimely death of Calvin Hicks Jr.

The victim, a devoted father of eight children, was shot earlier this week while helping someone change a tire at a supermarket.

The family of Calvin Hicks Jr. spoke exclusively with ABC 24 and is asking for answers and justice.

Calvin Hicks Jr.’s children range in age from 21 to 5. He was known throughout the Orange Mound community for always being willing to help. His sister, Cvelyn Love, stuck with the cause until his last breath.

“He died while helping someone change their tire. He was helping the man change his tire,” she said.

Hicks was shot at a Save-A-Stop counter on the evening of July 1. Love said he was doing what he was known for at the time of his death: helping others. She said her brother had no enemies.

“He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, so he had nothing to do with it. That was a matter between the owners at the time and whoever did it,” Love said.

Love told ABC24 that one of her brother’s last acts of kindness was building a home for a veteran. As an advocate for homeless veterans, the project was close to her heart. Love said the home will be named “House of Valor,” which means courage. She said once the home is completed later this year, it will be dedicated in her brother’s memory.

“It will be fully furnished and the only thing the veterans will have to do is bring themselves and some clothes. If they don’t have clothes, we will provide them,” she said.

Hicks left behind eight children. His oldest son, 15-year-old Calvin Hicks III, said he was with their father before heading to the supermarket. Calvin said although his father was a stubborn man, he misses him very much.

“He gives you life-changing advice, but wouldn’t change for himself,” Calvin said.

A Memphis police officer told ABC24 that no arrests have been made in the case.

Calvin said whoever was responsible for his father’s murder would receive justice.

“Karma always comes back. Honestly, you get back what you put into this world.”

The family of Calvin Hicks Jr. has set up a GoFundme page to help the children and assist with funeral arrangements. Click here to view the link.