Thomas Jay Vickery Sr.

Thomas Jay Vickery, Sr., 91, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, on November 15, 2023. Thomas was born on July 7, 1932 in Arp, Texas to Jesse Malon Vickery and Rachel Irene Herring Vickery. Thomas was a Veteran, serving in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1950-1962, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded First in Marksmanship. Thomas retired from Union Pacific RailRoad as a Brakeman Conductor, after 25 year of service. Thomas loved motorcycles and collecting classic cars and unique guns. He was a practical jokester, he loved a good laugh. Thomas also had a very green thumb. He could plant anything and make it grow. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Cloetis M. Rozell Vickery, his parents Jesse and Irene Vickery, sister Joyce Glenn Vickery, brother Kenneth Vickery, sister Shirley Phillips, brother-in-law Harold Phillips, and grandson Clinton Vickery. Thomas was affectionately known to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren as “Big Daddy”. Thomas is survived by his loving family which includes his brother Reverend William Vickery, son Thomas Jay Vickery, Jr. and wife Leslie of Lindale, daughter Joyce “Kimmie” Harrison and husband Sid of Elkhart, son Jerry Vickery and wife Sheila of Tyler, son Robert Vickery and wife Milly of Frost, 8 grandchildren, Clayton Vickery, Jessica Stewart, Jules Vickery, Dr. Aaron Martin, Rachel Armstrong, Jennifer White, Mary Verett, Jesse Vickery, 10 great grandchildren, Aiden, Jayson, June Ella, Cameron, Piper, Laikyn, Charlotte, Paul, Dean, Ryan. Pallbearers will be Dr. Aaron Martin, Clayton Vickery, Jesse Vickery, Aiden Vickery, Jayson Vickery and Andy White. Honorary Pallbearers will be Retired Union Pacific Railroad Workers. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 9:30 am for visitation and 10:30 am for the memorial service in the Chapel at Stewart Family Funeral Home with the Reverend William Vickery officiating. Burial will be at Beaird Cemetary immediately following the memorial service. If desired, memorials can be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Tx 75701 (www.hospiceofeasttexas.org).

Thomas Jay Vickery Sr.

July 7, 1932 - November 15, 2023