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Mr. Thomas Hamilton "Tom" Vickery, Jr.

Obituary

Mr. Thomas Hamilton "Tom" Vickery Jr., age 83, died Feb. 1, 2010 in Griffin, Georgia of complications of heart disease. Tom was born Nov. 17, 1926 and was the second of four children born to the late Thomas Hamilton and Robbie Burnham Vickery. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons. Ronald Vickery died in infancy and Donald Vickery succumbed to cancer in 1976. As a young man, Tom enlisted and served as a Merchant Marine. Upon returning to civilian life, he worked in his father's painting contracting business. He later pursued a career in law enforcement and retired with the rank of lieutenant after serving 28 years on the force of the Newnan Police Department. He valued the benefits of hard work and often held two or more jobs to make life better for his family. He was involved in ventures as diverse as a retail paint store, convenience store operator, car wash facilities and a restaurant venture thrown in for good measure. He also did security for the local hospital. His retirement years were enjoyed traveling and spending time at his little piece of heaven on Greenwood Lake in Heard County. He was always fully committed to life even though he faced health issues that would have slowed others down considerably. His purchase of his prized motorcycle came at a time in life when others would consider it just a little too risky. Most of his family knew him as simply "Junior." He is survived by his dedicated wife Winow Paramore Vickery; his children, Gary Brown, Scott Brown and his wife Brenda, Angie Jones and her husband Stan, Steve Vickery and his wife Gina, Gregg Brown and his wife Barbara, Tommy Vickery and his wife Becky, Clark Vickery and his wife Michelle. There are 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters Dorothy Wright, Louise Knowles and Katherine Kendall. Tom was committed to helping his community be a better place by his association with the Sylvan Lodge and Yaarab Shrine. He was a member of First Christian Church. The funeral service for Tom Vickery, Jr. will be on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. at McKoon Funeral Home at 38 Jackson Street. Reverend Randy Lamb, pastor of First Christian Church will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that Mr. Vickery's memory be honored by contributions to First Christian Church 8 Elm Street Newnan, GA 30263. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com .