Troy L. Vickers

Troy Lee Vickers Sr. 85, of Sun Lakes, Arizona passed away after a brief illness on October 13, 2023. Troy was born to parents Robert and Barbara Vickers on July 13, 1938 in DeRidder, Louisiana. He was the second of six children, the oldest son. Troy attended Beauregard School and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in DeRidder, Louisiana. He played the trumpet in the high school marching band and played both offense and defense on the football team. In the fall of 1957, he attended Grambling College (renamed Grambling State University) and continued showcasing his great athleticism by playing offense and defense on the college football team. As an upper classman, he taught math to Freshman students. He graduated from Grambling with a Bachelor of Science degree in Science and Chemistry. Troy moved to New York City, NY in 1962 where he started working as a chemist at Crayola Crayon Company. In 1967, Troy relocated to Waukegan, Illinois where he was hired as a chemist at Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago. After 35 years of service and several promotions, he retired from an upper management position at Abbott Laboratories.

Troy married Denise Taylor in 1981. Troy was a model railroad train enthusiast and enjoyed ballroom dancing and traveling with his lovely wife, Denise. Due to his impeccable taste, home designing and renovations became a passion. Troy was a volunteer for a half way house in Waukegan, Illinois, where he involved many Abbott Employees sacrificing their time to renovate a half way house. He was also the President of the African American Association of Sun Lakes, Arizona. Troy was preceded in death by parents Robert and Barbara Vickers and two (2) brothers Perry and Arcell Vickers. He is survived by his wife, Denise Vickers, four (4) siblings; Dorothy Vickers (Sister), Johnnie Ray Kelly (Sister), Odelll Vickers (Brother), Priscilla Vickers, (Sister) five (5) children; Sandra Bibb (Anthony), Beverly Vickers, Troy Vickers Jr., Caryl VickersHarper (Calvin), and Elizabeth VickersDawson (Russell), five (5) grandchildren, Gregory Grant (Trina), Myles Grant, Arianna Harper, Imani Harper, ChloeSimone Budzik, three (3) greatgrandchildren, Dylan, Kingston and Trinity Grant, his best furry friend and pet Zoe, and many additional family members, friends and acquaintances. The family has entrusted Warren Cemetery in Gurnee, Illinois with the funeral arrangements. There will be no viewing of the body. The burial will take place inside the mausoleum and a small private service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 27, 2023.