Price Vickers Jr

    Junior Vickers, born Price Vickers Jr. on July 22, 1945, in Mobile County, Alabama, has cast his final line and sizzled his last grill, departing this world on November 21, 2024, at the ripe age of 79. At the time of his passing, he was comfortably rooted in Semmes, Alabama, surrounded by family, friends, and an ever-flourishing garden that knew no rival.

    To say Junior was an outdoor enthusiast would be like calling the Gulf of Mexico just a pond. A true sportsman, he found peace in the chase of a good hunt and the thrill of bringing in the catch of the day. His heart, however, was ultimately fueled by the smoky, savory scents emanating from his custom-made outdoor grill rig. Legendary in the art of barbecue, Junior turned many a family gathering into a feast fit for kings with perfectly smoked meats and tangy sauces.

    In the off seasons of hunting and grilling, Junior’s affections turned toward his garden. He deftly transformed soil into harvests bursting with flavor and color, especially when it came to his beloved hot peppers—a real testament to his fiery spirit and zest for life. Perhaps it was the same ingenuity that made him an aficionado of auto mechanics, as he could coax any car into sweet cooperation.

    Professionally, Junior dedicated his life to the relentless craft of sandblasting and painting—a sign of his hardworking, industrious nature. Known as the favorite "pot tender" among his colleagues, Junior’s wit and steady hand made him a cherished teammate and a steadfast friend.

    Junior was predeceased by his cherished parents, Myrtis Stringfellow Vickers and Price Vickers Sr., who perhaps now welcome him with open arms. Surviving Junior are his son, Mitchell Vickers and his wife Sherry. He also leaves behind a robust family fabric of brothers—Gordon, Robert Eugene (and Linda), Roland, Billy Joe, Donnie Ray (and Deborah), and Gary Wayne—and a loving sister, Sandra Wilkinson. A big family without their cornerstone, but one fortified by the love and lessons he leaves behind.

    For those wishing to celebrate Junior’s life and legacy, a memorial service will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 03, 2024, from 11 a.m. to noon. In keeping with Junior’s generous spirit, the family kindly asks that, instead of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Diabetes Association of America, causes close to our hearts and his.

    Junior will be sorely missed—but as the saying goes, a life well-lived leaves its mark forever. Here’s to balky carburetors, crimson peppers, early morning hunts, and loved ones gathered around a grill fired up by none other than the master himself. We’ll miss you, Junior, but we’ll be telling your stories, sharing your recipes, and carrying your spirit with us for generations to come.