Former Rangers and Stars Owner Hicks Dies at 79
Tom Hicks, a prominent Texas businessman and philanthropist known for his ownership of major sports franchises, passed away at age 79. His death occurred in Dallas, where he spent his final moments surrounded by family.
Key Achievements in Sports
Hicks held ownership of two significant Dallas sports teams:
- Dallas Stars: Owned from 1995 to 2011; won the Stanley Cup in 1999.
- Texas Rangers: Owned from 1998 to 2010; led the team to three American West Division titles and one World Series appearance.
Additionally, Hicks acquired a 50% stake in Liverpool FC in 2007, furthering his influence in the sports world.
Business Legacy
In 1984, Hicks co-founded the firm Hicks & Haas. His innovative strategies helped to reshape private equity. He was also a member of the University of Texas’s Board of Regents from 1994 to 1999.
Texas businessman Ross Perot Jr. praised Hicks, stating, “He was an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity.” He emphasized Hicks’s unique blend of sports and business acumen.
Personal Life and Remembrance
Hicks is survived by his wife, Cinda Cree Hicks, and their six children: Thomas Ollis Hicks Jr., Mack Hardin Hicks, John Alexander Hicks, Robert Bradley Hicks, William Cree Hicks, and Catherine Forgrave Hicks. His family released a heartfelt statement honoring his legacy as a devoted father.
- Children’s Tribute: “Tom Hicks’s most cherished title was, ‘Dad.’ We are grateful to have been his children.”
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed his deep respect for Hicks, reflecting on their personal friendship outside of their professional endeavors.
Hicks’s impact on both the sports and business communities will be remembered, as he left an indelible mark on the Texas landscape.
