William J. "Red/Billy" Vickrey, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2016 in Pensacola, Fl. He was born on May 23, 1933 in Huxford, AL to Lester & Vada Vickrey.

Upon graduating from Pensacola High School in May 1951, where he was recognized as an All State football and basketball player, Red immediately began work with the city's Recreation Department during his college years. Graduating from Tulane University in 1956, he earned varsity letters in football for four years and was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers only to be released due to an injury sustained in his senior year at Tulane.

In February, 1956 he was appointed to a full-time position with the City of Pensacola as Center Director at East Pensacola Heights Community Center. In 1958 he became Director of Athletics and was instrumental in organizing the Florida Little Major League program for boys 12 and under and bringing Biddy Basketball to the state of Florida. He also served as an officer in the Babe Ruth and Pony/Colt League Programs for a number of years and in the position of District 1 Chairman/State Commissioner of Florida ASA from 1975-1998, and was subsequently recognized as "Commissioner Emeritus" upon his retirement from this organization.

In 1964, Red was promoted to Superintendent of Recreation and in 1971 was appointed as the Director of Leisure Services, a position he held until his retirement on August 3, 2001. He was an active member of many professional organizations, including the Fiesta of Five Flags Association, and a long-time member of Christ Episcopal Church, where he served as a member of the Vestry. He is a Past President of the Florida Recreation and Park Association. He earned the CPRP designation and was awarded the FRPA Achievement and Fellow Awards. The FRPA District One Long Time Service Award was renamed the "Trousdell-Vickrey Award" in recognition of the service and dedication that had been displayed by Red not only in the District, but throughout the state. The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports also recognized him with the Governor's Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions to physical fitness and sports in the State of Florida.

In December, 1997 the ultimate recognition was bestowed upon Red when the Pensacola City Council voted to name the Leisure Services Department's newest state of the art recreation center in his honor. The William J. "Red" Vickrey Community Center officially opened on January 10, 1998 with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. The facility was featured in the FRPA Facility Showcase and in the City of Pensacola's 1999 budget presentation, the first time a city facility had been awarded this distinction.

Red was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. He leaves a legacy of service, dedication and love of his family and the Pensacola community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester & Vada Vickrey; a son, Michael Douglas Vickrey; a sister, Lola Pearl Vickrey and his brother-in-law, Dan Walker.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jackie Walker Vickrey; son, Bill Vickrey Jr. (Sandy) of Pensacola; brother, Travis Vickrey of Mississippi; sister, Marie Morin of MI; grandchildren, Michael Douglas Vickrey, Jr. (Lauren) of Huntsville, AL, Christina Cyriac (Joe), of Birmingham, AL, Jessica Czuprynski (Andy) of Pensacola, FL. and one great-grandchild, Savannah Vickrey of Huntsville, AL, as well as his sister-in-law Joyce Walker; nephews, Danny Walker, Bubba Vickrey, Larry Vickrey and Scott Royal and nieces, Amanda Brignac, Cindy Lakeman and Denise Botts.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, December 2, 2016 at Christ Episcopal Church. A reception will follow at the Parrish Hall.