Jimmy Ray Vickery

Jimmy Ray Vickery, 92, passed away on February 3rd, 2025 in Athens, Texas. Jim was born to parents James Admiral Vickery and Carrie May Enloe Vickery on December 3rd, 1932 in Conroe Texas.

Upon graduation from Cleveland High School in 1951, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He proudly served our country in the Korean War. Following his service in the U.S. Air Force, Jim began working various jobs and eventually found a career in the cement industry in Houston, Texas. Starting his career from humble beginnings, Jim worked his way up through the ranks. He was hired as an A-1 Craftsman steadily building his expertise and leadership skills. Through his hard work and commitment he rose to the position of foreman, overseeing the operations of several terminals in Corpus Christi, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee.

Jim always looked out for his co-workers. Through his service with the United Steel Workers Union, he worked to ensure the safety and well-being of his fellow co-workers. Jim served as his local's president and also played an important role in several contract negotiations. 

Jim was a very talented craftsman who was known for his ability to build or fix almost anything. He and his brother, Bill, built a small but comfortable home for their mother. If he didn't know how to do something, he would gladly accept the challenge and succeed.

After his retirement, Jim had a part-time job with the Texas State Railroad. Dressed in his conductor suit, he would greet the riders in his welcoming manner.

Jim also enjoyed square dancing. With his Good Time Van, he would drive a group of dancers to various locations throughout east Texas and Oklahoma.

In his later years, he taught adult Sunday School. He did not shy away from talking about his faith.

Those who knew him would tell you about his upbeat attitude, friendly smile and his sense of humor. He will be loved and missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim is preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda Vickery; parents, James and Carrie Vickery; brothers, Billy Wayne Vickery and wife Bobbie Fay, Bobby Joe Vickery, sister, Betty Sue Ruby and husband Buddy.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved daughters, Regina Wiley and husband Brandon; Mary Beth Vickery; Melissa Hesselius and husband Daniel; grandchildren, Christian Wiley, Jared Wolf, Joshua Wolf, Ian Walker, Aiden Walker, Eldon Hesselius, Dennis Hesselius; great-grandchildren, Jackson Wiley, Montgomery Wiley, Elijah Wolf, Jonah Wolf, Gideon Wolf, Christopher Wolf; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation for Jimmy Ray will be held at the Pace-Stancil Chapel in Cleveland, Texas on Friday, February 7th at 1 pm. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2pm on Friday, February 7th in the Pace-Stancil Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Farley Chapel Cemetery in Shepherd, Texas. Those chosen to serve as pallbearers for the service are Brandon Wiley, Daniel Hesselius, Christian Wiley, Joshua Wolf, Jackson Wiley, Montgomery Wiley.