John William (Billy) Vickers, age 78, of Hartwell died January 17, 2018 after a lengthy and hard fought battle with cancer.
Born on May 23, 1939 in Ocilla, Georgia, he was the son of the late John Willis Vickers and Luna Gray Vickers.Mr. Vickers was a graduate of Irwin County High School and served in the U S Army, 82nd Airborne, Special Forces.Mr. Vickers worked for 32 years with Binks Manufacturing and later for Howard Brothers Hardware until his retirement.
Prior to retiring on Lake Hartwell, Mr. Vickers lived in Norcross, Georgia for over 30 years. While in Norcross, Billy was a member of First Baptist of Norcross where he taught Sunday School, played softball and served as a deacon.He was also active in the Lions Club for many years. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 109. After retirement, Mr. Vickers was an active member First Baptist Church of Hartwell, where he was very involved in Sunday School and also served as a deacon.He loved Georgia Football, hunting, fishing, boating and tubing on the lake, golf and most of all watching his grandchildren supporting them in all their activities. He loved working in the yard cultivating beautiful azaleas.
Billy's relationship and love for the Lord was evident to all he met and was a friend to all ages with his overflowing joy and contagious smile.He lived a life devoted to his faith, his family and his friends.
Mr. Vickers is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol Vickers; daughters: Robyn Hairston and her husband Jerry ; Suzanne Cain and her husband Mike; his six grandchildren: Sarah Ellen Cain, Mary Katherine Hairston, Will Cain, Hayden Hairston,Margaret Ann(Maggie) Hairston, and Grace Anne Cain.He is also survived by his sister, Linda Castellaw and her husband Tim of Locust Grove, Georgia.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Hartwell with Dr. Steve Albanese officiating.Burial will be in the Lavonia City-Burgess Cemetery with military honors.Visitation will be held at Strickland Funeral Home in Hartwell, Georgia, Friday, January 19, 2018 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.Pallbearers will be Tim Castellaw, Doug Cross, Marchman Howell, Bobby Paulk, Tribble Payne, Chuck Perry, Ken Pope, Ronnie Pope, and Scott Pope.Honorary Pallbearers are members of the Hubert Milford Sunday School Class.
Billy's strong faith and strength were evident until the very end. The family would like to sincerely thank Kindred Hospice and Hartwell DaVita Dialysis for their professionalism and compassion during Billy's final days.In lieu of flowers, Mr. Vickers requested donationsbe made to the American Cancer Society, 105 West Park Dr., Suite C Athens, GA, 30606 or First Baptist Church of Hartwell, 81 E. Howell St., Hartwell, GA in his memory.
The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.