Charles F. Vickery, age 58, Decatur native and veteran of the U.S. Navy, died at home Monday, February 1, 2010, from cardiac arrest. Charles was born March 5, 1951 in Decatur, GA to the late James F. and Jean Lowe Vickery. He attended Westchester Elementary School and graduated from Decatur High School in 1969. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam conflict and toured in the Mediterranean, where he cultivated a lifelong appreciation for travel and cultures. In 1971 he returned to Decatur to begin raising a family. Charles obtained a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University and began a successful career in finance and asset management. Working with Wall Street firms, he enjoyed the high-paced work environment and frequent travel to New York. Later in his career, he established an asset management company which was still in operation at his death. He loved his work. Charles lived in Decatur his entire life and participated enthusiastically in local activities and community concerns. He coached Little League Baseball for his three sons and supported his daughter in her academic pursuits. People will remember him for his gift of storytelling, vibrant sense of humor, compassion for animals, and love of the outdoors. Charles was unconditionally proud of his children, reveling in their happiness and putting their needs before his own. He spent little on himself but was generous to those he loved. His major role in the brain cancer charity, Skateraid, characterized his caring and compassion. Charles is survived by his son Patrick and Patrick’s wife, Reeya; his son Justin and Justin’s wife, Elle; his daughter Erin Lowe; his son C. Gray; four grandchildren, Kaziah, Griffin, Christopher, and Lily; one brother, Wade. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 6, in the chapel of A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home. Friends and relatives are welcome at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. for a visitation until the hour of the services. The Rev. Hal Brady, pastor, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Skateraid, 1120 Commerce Dr. Decatur, GA 30030.
