Donald Ray Vickery

On Monday, October 20, 2025, Donald Ray Vickery (aka “Ducky” and “Pa”) passed away in Longview, Texas with his wife and three daughters near.

Donald was born in Brilliant, Alabama on October 16, 1947 to Belton Andrew Vickery and Lillie Corkren Vickery. He was one of ten children, all of whom have predeceased him, except for one, Loretta Gail Vickery Spann, who resides in Winfield, Alabama. He was also preceded in death by both parents and his father and mother-in-law, Herbert and Sudie Meshell of Diana, Texas.

After completing the eleventh grade, Donald followed his uncle to Michigan for work, but soon thereafter landed his roots in Texas where he met the love of his life, a beautiful, feisty seamstress with dark eyes and black hair, Janice Sue Meshell. After marriage, they joined the First Baptist Church, Diana, Texas, where he was baptized and, as he told it, God changed his life. He was a member of the Gideons and a theology group, a deacon of First Baptist Church, a leader for the Royal Ambassadors (RAs), a chicken club member, and Daingerfield State Park Dutch Oven Friends Group member, and he rarely lost a game of dominoes. He was his own electrician, welder, engineer, drywall installer, farmer, and gardener. Preserving his own food and vegetables and watching his grandchildren compete in sports were a couple of his favorite pastimes. However, his favorite roles were being a devoted, proud father to his three girls and a faithful husband to Janice.

He is survived by three daughters: Susan Vickery of Diana, Kella Vickery Stanley (Dale Stanley) of Overton, and April Vickery (Shane Boroughs) of Diana. He is also survived by five grand children who called him “Pa” - Forrest Vickery (Allison), Hunter Patterson (Megan), Bailee Stanley Whitaker (Nick), Sheldon Reynolds, and Kloe Meador; three treasured great-grand babies, Mardi, MaKella, and Moss Whitaker; numerous nieces and nephews; and one sister-in-law, Vonnita Meshell of Diana.

Donald was a father to the fatherless, a perfect example of a Christian, a hard worker, and a devoted husband and son-in-law. Uncle Ducky was the cornerstone, not only to his extended family, but also to those of other families, unrelated to him. He was a jack of all trades and a devoted University of Alabama fan. He was very active and social and was loved by everyone.

If you want to contribute to the legacy and spread God’s word, the family of Donald Vickery suggests donations be made to the Gideons International at www.Gideons.org.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Diana, Texas, on October 25, 2025 at 10 AM with funeral service to follow at 11 AM.