Edward Francis Hickey Jr., born in Norwalk, Conn in 1927 came to St. Petersburg, FL to attend the Florida Military Academy. Joining the Army soon after graduation, he spent time overseas like so many did during WWII and returned to St. Petersburg after being released from the hospital stay for injuries received during his tour of duty. Ed started his beach career by teaching swim lessons and water ski school. He established Ed's Beach Service in 1948, offering beach chairs and umbrellas to resorts, city parks and private clubs from San Juan, PR to San Diego, California. He gave many young people the opportunity to earn a living, meet travelers from all parts of the world and find their way in business and entrepreneurship. He was proud to have the opportunity of changing young people's lives. Ed arrived in Panama City Beach in 1952 and was welcomed by Mr. J.E. Churchwell to operate as a concessioner behind Long Beach Resort (The Hang-out). Eventually providing service to over fifty locations from St. Andrews State Park to Pinnacle Port. Ed's Beach Service offered qualified lifeguards, umbrella and chair set-ups, rafts and surfboards to family operated motels up and down the miracle strip. He also operated the trampoline center located on the beach behind the hang-out and the paddle boats in the lake behind Long Beach Plaza. Expanding as the years passed he offered Panama Jack  suntan products and beach wear at his beach locations and pool decks throughout the panhandle. During the years of the 1960s and 70s he operated a beach grooming service, a rental car company, hotel owner (Gulf Lanes Resort in Redington Shores, FL), assistant manager (Tides Hotel & Bath Club in Redington Beach, FL). Ed was an active investor in the growth era of the 1980s, purchasing condominiums and parcels of properties throughout Bay County and adding to the prosperity of the beaches that he loved so much. ED acquired the property on Back Beach Road in 1982, establishing ED's Sheds as one of the first facilities of this type on Panama City Beach. His pride and joy that has now expanded to over five hundred units. Ed is survived by his son, Edward F. Hickey III (Gabrielle); grandchildren, Edward F. Hickey IV, Paige A. Mahl (David); great grandchildren, Oliver, Axel, Vaughn; family relatives, Vickey Hickey, Dallas Pearson, Jennifer Strachan, Matthew Gill, Bryan Annarino and countless employees that thought of Ed as a father. The family will receive friends at Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 5-8 pm. A family graveside service will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 12 noon Eastern Time in the Royal Palm Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Boys Town Charity, 13628 Flanagan Blvd, Boys Town, NE 68010 in memory of Edward Hickey Jr.