Robert L. Vickers

Vickers, Robert L.
50, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away August 29, 2014. He was born October 3, 1963 in Loudonville, Ohio. Robert is survived by John McNair, his life partner of 22 years, his step-son Phillip McNair, father James Vickers, mother Carolyn Carmichael, step-father Jim Carmichael and step-mother Shelly Vickers, brothers Scott and Tim, sisters-in-law Shawn, Alicia and Tiffany, brothers-in law Vincent, Kenneth, Andre, Rick and Sean, dozens of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and countless friends around the country. Robert held many professional positions in the corporate sector, including work at American Express, Verizon Wireless and Google. But it was his love for the not-for-profit sector that brought him his greatest professional joy. This included his time with the Arthritis Foundation and the Fund for Southern Communities. Robert made his most impactful contributions during his years of service as Communications Director for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change in Atlanta Ga. His responsibilities included working directly with Mrs. Coretta Scott King in implementing nation-wide celebrations of the MLK birthday holiday, press and media representation and a host of other official duties. Beyond this professional work, Robert devoted his time, talents and heart to helping many charitable organizations including Project Opens Hand, AIDS Walk Atlanta, and most recent and dear to his heart, Make A Wish Arizona where he served as a "Wish Granter". A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4th from 6:00PM - 8:00PM at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale, AZ. Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM Friday, September 5th at First United Methodist Church, 5510 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Make a Wish Arizona, 711 E. Northern Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85020.