Fred “Gene” Eugene Vickers, Jr., age 80, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at his residence. The family will hold a Graveside Service on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 10:00AM with Bro. Randy Barry and Bro. Caleb Lewis officiating and Shelton Funeral Home directing.
He was born October 8, 1944 in Decatur, Alabama to Fred Eugene Vickers, Sr. and Nora Mae Roberts Vickers.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Louise V. Byrd.
He is survived by his two nieces, Alice Vickers and Amy Graves; two great nieces, Stacie Mayfield and Dr. Briley Graves; and two great- great nephews, James Mayfield and Thomas Mayfield.
He was a lifetime member of Austinville Baptist Church. He loved riding the church bus with Brother Dean, helping bring people to worship and community.
He loved Tennessee Ernest Ford’s “Little Brown Church”. To know Gene was to know true friendship. He had a gift for making everyone feel seen, loved, and accepted. If you met Gene once, you had a friend for life. And that loving others selflessly, as God calls us to, is the greatest gift we can give the world.
Gene lived with an open heart. That a simple wave and a smile can brighten someone’s darkest day. He didn’t dwell on people’s past mistakes or shortcomings—he simply saw the good in others. His kindness and acceptance made him unforgettable to anyone who crossed his path.
Even in his hardest moments, Gene remained a bright light of God’s love. Though he is now in heaven, probably riding his bike down the streets of gold, his presence lives on in the kindness he showed and the lives he touched.
He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: sitting on his front porch, waving to neighbors, riding his bicycle through town, visiting friends, and caring for his dogs and chickens long before it became trendy.
Gene’s life was defined by service and generosity. Whether it was offering a cold drink on a hot day, standing in the rain to hold an umbrella for someone else, or lending a helping hand whenever needed—Gene was always there.
He left us with lessons we’d do well to remember: That age is only a number, and each birthday is a blessing to be celebrated with friends and most importantly cake.
May we all strive to carry that same light and love just like Uncle Gene.
The Family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their compassion and care of Gene.
