Luis Fernando Villagrana Hickman passed away last Wednesday, July 19, 2017. He was 17 years, 5 months and 29 days old. He is going to be deeply missed by all who knew him. His life was a light for those around him, and his departure is leaving a profound wound in all.
Luis was born in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, on January 20, 2000. His parents are Hugo and Norma Villagrana of Concord, North Carolina.
Luis was a lovely child who enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities and sports. He liked to hike and go fishing. He used to play baseball, basketball, football, track and field and enjoyed cross-country during his time in high school in Tarkio, Missouri. He also was part of the pep band and school band where he played the clarinet. He took part in the school choir, and the one thing he enjoyed the most was performing in theater productions at school. He loved to sing, to dance and to act in drama. He was known for his skills as a good dancer in which he was the “king of dance” at school. In his last school year, he attended Central Cabarrus High School where he was part of the school band and was first chair.
Luis was an easygoing person; everybody loved him at school and elsewhere. Teachers, friends, family and anyone who came across him, engaging in conversations, would feel his joyful spirit, kindness and respect. He was always encouraging and helping someone; he had a deep feeling of compassion and empathy toward others. He participated actively in missions. He served among those in need through his church, the Tarkio United Methodist Church, and he also served in mission projects in Nicaragua and Mexico. Luis loved to laugh, to love and to make jokes. He enjoyed watching movies and listening to music.
Luis had a deep Christian faith and love for God. In his last year, he was a member of the Elevation Church in Concord where he was engaged in youth activities and services.
In addition to his parents, Luis is survived by his sister, Mariana; his grandparents, Fausto and Alma Villagrana and Hector Hickman; by aunts and uncles, Xochitl (Dan) Calabro, Hector, Oscar (Abby), Ricardo, Hilgard (Hakin), and Arturo (Blanca) Hickman; and cousins, Ana V, Ana H, Andrea, Priscila, Oscar and David Matthew.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at Westford United Methodist Church, located on 273 Hwy. 49S, Concord. Visitation was held from 5 to 6 p.m. followed by the memorial service at 6 p.m. Another memorial service will be held at the Tarkio United Methodist Church, located at 201 N. 6th St. in Tarkio, on Sunday, July 30, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. A time of fellowship will follow where refreshments will be served. All those in the community are welcome to attend. Pastor Hugo served the Tarkio and Westboro United Methodist churches and Pastor Norma served churches in the Burlington Junction, MO, area before being transferred to North Carolina. Pastors Hugo and Norma Villagrana and Luis’ sister, Mariana, are planning to travel to Tarkio for the service on Sunday, July 30. Memorials are being accepted at the Tarkio United Methodist Church to assist the Villagranas with travel and funeral expenses; or memorials may be made to the family at 798 Rubens Road SW, Concord, NC 28027 to help with funeral expenses.