George Thomas Vickers

George Thomas Vickers, 54, of Hurricane, WV, passed away at home on Thursday, May 2, after a long, valiant fight against cancer. George, aka George Tommy, Daddy, Big G., George T., Baby George, Pumpkin Pie, Uncle George, Buddy, or Kaizen Man, was well-loved by many close friends and family. George spent his growing up years in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio. He graduated from Thomas Dale High School in Chester, VA and then went on to attend Virginia Tech. He was an avid Hokie fan, which was made obvious by his wardrobe choices and that bright orange truck. After receiving his degree, George went to work as a microbiologist at the WV Department of Health and Human Resources. It was while working there that he made some of his best lifelong friends (the Fun Team), discovered mountain biking, played a lot of volleyball, met and married his wife Jennifer, and committed his life to Christ. In 1999, George was hired at the new Toyota plant in Buffalo, WV. He loved kaizen, exploring the plant, and talking to people. When asked what lessons he had learned in life that helped him at his job, he responded, “Simple things. We are all in this together. Don’t be quick to judge or react, give people the benefit of the doubt…. Set people up for success, not failure. Show people that you love them. Pat someone on the back and tell them they did a good job. Give them a smile and tell them that you appreciate them.” During his time at Toyota, George received a patent and recently was awarded the Toyota Environmental Legacy Award. His Toyota co-workers and friends were some of his biggest encouragers during his cancer battle. George also loved woodworking. For the last several years the Cobb brothers have graciously welcomed him into their shop, never asking for anything in return for him setting up camp there. As Rick says, “…this guy just showed up one day and never left!” Being there in the wood shop with Dwayne and Rick, taking on projects, learning from their expertise, was a balm to his spirit and he enjoyed every minute. Emerald Isle, North Carolina was another special spot for George. For more than 20 years, George, Jennifer, and the kids would pack up and spend a week with their Douthat family, relaxing and making wonderful memories. George loved his family well, and one of his biggest concerns was making sure they would be taken care of. He was the best husband Jennifer (Midkiff) Vickers could have asked for and the proud father of two children, Greyson Scott and Ian Vickers. George was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Ruth Ann Cavender and Tommy Wayne Vickers, as well as his big brother Joe. His loving sister Carole Keil (Steven) is his surviving sibling, and he leaves behind his wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. We would like to especially acknowledge the compassionate and exceptional care George received from Dr. Mary Dillhoff, Katie Hooker, and many others at the James Cancer Center at OSU. They were a huge part of giving us more time together. Our niece, Andrea Keil, one of the best hostesses we know, also went above and beyond to keep us comfortable and cared for on our many trips to Ohio. Many other special friends supported us by consistently showing up and giving us moments of normalcy and fun during a very difficult time. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 6:00 pm at River Ridge Church, 1 Saturn Way Hurricane, WV 25526. We won’t be mad if you happen to wear orange or maroon. If you would like to celebrate George by making a donation in his honor, these organizations were important to him: Virginia Tech, River Ridge Church (memo Dollar Club), and the Amelia Cobb Love Memorial Scholarship. Remember, today is the best day ever. Anyone wishing to leave an online memory may do so by visiting his tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com. Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road Hurricane, WV 25526 is honored to serve the Vickers family.

George Thomas Vickers

October 28, 1969 - May 2, 2024