Harrington Funeral Home, Inc. | Valdosta, GA

Obituary For 🕊 Councilman Joseph "Sonny" Vickers - 79

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest' not, thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, thou for ever will be Great is thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see, All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

It is with great sadness and a profound sense of loss that on behalf of Harrington Funeral Home Inc., we announce the passing of a gentleman who fully appreciated the responsibilities, as well as the privileges of citizenship.

Councilman Joseph "Sonny" Vickers - 79 of Valdosta Georgia, transitioned from this busy walk of life of Thursday, June 16, 2022, at South Georgia Medical Center - Valdosta, Georgia.

Councilman Vickers was born July 2, 1942, to the late Jesse and Mattie Vickers in Valdosta, Georgia where he received his elementary and high school education from the Valdosta City School System. He was an active member of the River Street Church of Christ. He was elected to the Valdosta City Council for a one-year term in 1985.

He was re-elected to the Valdosta City Council for a four-year term in 1986 and has served more than twenty-two years as the Councilman for District 3 before being appointed Mayor by the Valdosta City Council in 2011 where he served the unexpired term of the previous mayor. Councilman Vickers had the honor of being Valdosta’s first black mayor.

He continued to be a faithful public servant for the citizens of District 3. His proudest accomplishments as a local elected official were facilitating the paving of more than twenty-six miles of dirt streets and spearheading the efforts to establish a housing program in the city. There were many other important efforts in which Councilman Vickers was involved, and he strived every day to serve the citizens of his district and throughout the entire city. He found it gratifying to work with and help people. His philosophy was summed up in these words: “Service can be given wherever there are people.”

Councilman Vickers was a member of numerous community organizations to include founding and serving as President of the Black Community Action Group. He founded the Valdosta Youth Voters League in 1968, served as Co-Chairperson of the Valdosta Housing Task Force during 1974, organized the 3rd District Community Association, and previously served as the Vice-President of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. In 1970, he served on a committee to help settle a walk-out at Valdosta High School and in 1972 called a meeting of Valdosta Citizenry and elected officials to provide bus transportation for students of the Valdosta City School System. In 1985, he was a founding member of the Valdosta-Lowndes County MLK Commemoration Committee. He continued to actively serve in the organization and became President of the Association in 1992. He was a member of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People, the Legislative Black Caucus, and the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials.

Councilman Vickers received numerous accolades for his significant contributions to his community. In 1993, he was presented the Humanitarian Award by the Alpha Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Award of Appreciation in 1993 from Macedonia First Baptist Church, and was presented a Lifetime Honorary Membership in the Valdosta-Lowndes County MLK Commemoration Committee in 1985. Other recognition he received includes the Macedonia Image Award presented to him in 1995 by Macedonia First Baptist Church, the 1996 Humanitarian Award by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemoration Association, and the 2007 Award for Exemplary Community Service presented by the 100 Black Men of Valdosta. He also received in 2007 the Award for Notable and Outstanding Service in the Community presented by First Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and was recognized in 2009 by the Kill-Me-Quick Community for his support of the Westside Archives.

He owned and operated several business enterprises from 1968 and on. His business and occupational ventures included a grocery store, bus service, service center, Assistant Plant Manager at Chemical Specialties, and owner and operator of Vickers Motors and Vickers Painting Contractors.

In his private life, he was first married to the late Jacqueline Vickers, the late Patricia Vickers, and late Avera Hunter. He had 11 children and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He leaves to cherish his memories five daughters: Ms. Brenda Johnson of Valdosta, Ga; Dr. Jacquita Vickers of Valdosta, Ga; Mrs. Bridgett Howell (Joseph) of Conyers, Ga; Ms. Kimberly Vickers of Valdosta, Ga; Mrs. Sheila Harmon (Steve) of Loganville, Ga; five sons: Mr. Calvin Vickers; Mr. Melvin Hunter, Jr.; Mr. Steven Hunter, Sr. (Charlie); Mr. Jeffrey Hunter, Sr. (Leticia); Mr. Derrick Hunter, Sr. all of Valdosta, Ga. He had the privilege of raising his grandson Mr. Melvin Hunter, III and he has a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; four sisters: Mrs. Janie Strong; Mrs. Joyce Rogers; Ms. Mattie Lou Smith; Ms. Patricia Moore; two brothers: Mr. Roddy Vickers (Beverly) and Rev. Charles Vinson (Evelyn). He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted loving friend of 30 years, Ms. Laverne McHellen and her daughters: Mrs. Derri Carswell (Willie); Ms. Ceila Mitchell; Mrs. Sam Byrdsong (Joe); Mrs. Caterina Orr (Rozell, Sr.); and Dr. Tymura McHellen (Tori) all of Valdosta, Ga.

His memories will be deeply cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, caring friends and church family. He was an inspiration to so many people in the community.

Special thank you to Cynthia Copeland for taking care of our father and standing in the gap when needed.

Funeral Services to honor and celebrate his fruitful life will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 3:00 PM from Woodlawn Forrest Church of Christ - 1515 Barack Obama Blvd, Valdosta, GA.

Mr. Councilman Joseph "Sonny" Vickers, will be laid to rest in the Sunset Hill Cemetery, Valdosta Ga.

Vickers Family, as well as the citizens of Valdosta, on behalf of Mr. Antonio D. Harrington Sr., the Harrington family and the entire staff, we extend our deepest condolences, and we thank you for entrusting us with your loved one. May the blessings of the Lord keep you is our prayer.

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Guest Book

Our prayers for the family of Mr. Sonny. His impact on my hometown is a legacy that shall live forever. - Ed (Edward & Kimberley Copeland. Murrieta California.

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Mr Sonny you will be missed the morning shift at Bo'Jangles

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Our prayers and condolences to the Vickers family. Sonny was a very important person in the life of our family. We were together for close to twenty years. He was the most respected FRIEND a person could have. He will be truly missed but we know he is in a better place now. GOD BLESS SONNY VICKERS. Clod and A.D. Holt

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Our sincere condolences to the Vickers family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Vickers, May you rest in peace, and your memories are of comfort to your family. Marc and Juliet Steward

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Condolences to the Vickers family. Recalling Sonny's work with the Black Community Action Group (BCAG). Margaret (Lester) Williams

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Condolences to the family. You are in my prayers,rest on Joseph, rest well.

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May his memory be a blessing.

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My prayers and care for Sonny's family. Peace be unto all.

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My prayers and condolences for the Vickers'family. Carolyn (Williams) Copeland

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Our condolence to the family of our cousin Joseph "Sonny" Vickers you will be missed! The Graham Family

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I remember the respect Mr Vickers commanded from citizens when he and I told them about upcoming construction. Kevin Tolliver, Retired City Project Mgr

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Our Thoughts,Prayers and Love to to the Sonny Vickers Family,the Vickers and the Council's was next door neighbors. My Mother always thought a lot of Sonny because he did so many things to help our community.may God continue to bless each of them. Much love Mrs. Betty Council.

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Sonny Vickers has done more for Valdosta than most people will ever know. During his tenure the City built the Mildred Hunter Community Center, paved miles of road in the west and south side of town, built the new airport terminal, water plant, sewer plant, 3 fire stations, the Rainwater conference center, purchased the Lee St Annex, restored City Hall, and put the utilities in the downtown area underground. These are a small portion of the many improvements done during Sonny's tenure. Sonny's greatest contribution to the community has been his unifying presence on City Council. I am proud of the 10 years I served with him on City Council and the 8 years I worked for him as his State Representative in the General Assembly. Ron Borders

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Praying that the memories of a life well-lived will comfort you during this time of God's rearranging. Sending heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, acquaintances, and extended community of my friend and mentor, Mr. Joseph "Sonny" Vickers. Joseph "Jessie Lee James Sonny" Vickers, or something like that is what I will remember in addition to all the lessons I learned from him. He coached me during my first radio talk show, WZLS Information Network. We managed the campaign of Jessie Jackson for President and Andrew Young for Governor together. Sonny Vickers, although we did not always agree on the path forward, it was always a pleasure to speak with him and talk about a world of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. He fought fiercely and fearlessly for all of Valdosta. We laughed over dinner with Hosea Williams years ago. GABEO. The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. He introduced me to the world of servant-leadership, not politics as usual. Rest in Paradise, my friend. Phyllis Lowther Turner

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Bless all of the Vickers Family at this time. I am sure that Sonny is in good hands and at peace. Sincerely , Jane Duncan. ( Atlanta, Georgia)

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MR.SONNY VICKER WAS A GOOD FATHER AND HARD WORKING MAN AND HE LOVE TALKING WITH PEOPLE AND TO HIS COMMUNITY AND HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BUT HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS. RIP MR. SONNY VICKER.

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RIP. Mr. Sonny.

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Mr. Sonny Vickers was the epitome of a public servant. His personality and demeanor never changed. He was always approachable. His love for his district and people never wavered. To be honest, Lowndes County is a better place because Mr. Vickers would help anyone who asked for help. It could have been greater had he received support from his constituents in his early years in office. He has given of himself the majority of his life for those that loved him, liked him, pretended to like him, as well as those who disliked him. Mr. Joseph (Sonny) Vickers was one of the most unselfish men I've known. Valdosta, GA has lost a pioneer for justice. I was blessed to have known Mr. Vickers (Sonny) and his family personally for over forty years. My prayers go out to his (my) family. I know God will comfort you because of His promises. My condolences❤️ Faye (Williams) Mitchell

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Sonny bickers was an hard working man he always took care of this town and I can't believe the mayor who made this town what it is is gone he will always be remembered.🕊

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Praying for the family

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Harrington Funeral Home, Inc. | Valdosta, GA