Homer Hickam Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Homer Hickam is an American author and aerospace engineer best known for his memoir Rocket Boys — the inspiration for the film October Sky.

Introduction

Homer Hadley Hickam Jr. was born on February 19, 1943, in Coalwood, West Virginia, a setting that would later become central to his life’s story and writing. He built a multifaceted career as a Vietnam War veteran, NASA aerospace engineer, and best-selling author, with an estimated Homer Hickam net worth of around $1 million. Hickam’s journey from a coal-mining town to global recognition includes notable Homer Hickam relationships — from his first marriage to his long-term partnership with his wife, Linda Terry Hickam, who also serves as his editor and collaborator. His age/birthdate and contributions to literature and science continue to be celebrated in educational and cultural contexts.

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

From Coalwood to the Cosmos: The Journey That Defined a Life

Homer Hickam’s story begins in Coalwood, West Virginia, where he grew up surrounded by coal mining culture. His early fascination with science and reading foreshadowed a life driven by curiosity and determination. After visiting the National Science Fair with his friends from Big Creek High School, Hickam carried that drive to Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.

His path then led to serving as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded both a Bronze Star Medal and an Army Commendation Medal. After military service, Hickam trained astronauts and worked on payloads at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center — an extraordinary transition from his Appalachian roots.

Defining moments in Homer Hickam’s journey include:

• Forming the Big Creek Missile Agency as a youth in Coalwood. 

• Winning awards at the National Science Fair for rocket propulsion projects. 

• Serving in the Vietnam War with distinction. 

• A long career at NASA training astronauts and managing payload programs. 

• Publishing Rocket Boys, leading to the film October Sky. 

The Core Pillars of Homer Hickam’s Wealth

Hickam’s Homer Hickam net worth is primarily built on:

• Literary Works & Royalties — Best-selling memoir Rocket Boys and numerous novels and memoirs.

• NASA & Engineering Career — Years of professional engineering and astronaut training roles.

• Adaptations & Speaking Engagements — Ongoing influence of his memoir through adaptations and public appearances. 

While specific revenue details are private, multiple sources estimate his net worth around $1 million — a figure that reflects stable earnings from writing and past professional roles rather than blockbuster-level celebrity earnings.

Relationships & Personal Life

Homer Hickam’s Homer Hickam personal life includes a journey through relationships that have influenced both his writing and public life.

• Paula Morgan — First wife; marriage ended in divorce in 1986. 

• Linda Terry Hickam — Second wife, artist, editor, and lifelong partner; the two married in 1998 and share homes in Alabama and the Virgin Islands, often revolving around shared interests in culture, writing, and adventure. 

Key insights into Homer Hickam’s relationships and personal life:

• His partnership with Linda extends into creative collaboration. 

• The couple are known for a shared interest in arts and exploration. 

• Hickam’s early relationships and family experiences often inform the emotional depth of his memoirs.

Interests, Lifestyle & Notable Pursuits

Beyond work, Hickam leads a lifestyle deeply rooted in curiosity and exploration:

• Writing & Storytelling — A prolific author of memoirs and fiction. 

• Travel & Residence Between Homes — Balancing life between southern U.S. and the Caribbean with Linda. 

• Philanthropy & Education — Engagement with STEM initiatives and motivational speaking.

Breakdown of Homer Hickam’s Net Worth

Figures are approximate and based on public estimates.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Homer Hickam is celebrated both as a storyteller and as an engineer who brought the wonder of space exploration to life for millions. His memoir Rocket Boys — renamed October Sky in its film version — is used worldwide in classrooms and community reading programs, reinforcing his legacy beyond pure financial metrics. 

He continues to appear at speaking engagements and literary festivals, inspiring future generations to pursue STEM fields and creative expression with equal fervor.

Conclusion

Homer Hickam’s narrative is one of transforming humble beginnings into a rich tapestry of engineering excellence and literary success. From his February 19 birthday in Coalwood to global recognition as an author and NASA figure, Hickam’s net worth, relationships, age/birthdate, and birthday reflect a life fully lived — grounded in curiosity and propelled by imagination.