Roy Lawrence Vick

SANTA FE - Mr. Roy Lawrence Vick, aged 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Fe on Sunday, July 7, 2024, after a brief illness.

Mr. Vick was born on October 11, 1932, in Bettie, Texas to parents, Andrew Lawrence Vick and Georgie Florence Pearson Vick and grew up the youngest of three children. He was a country kid and lived a simple life in Gilmer in East Texas. When he was 10 years old, his family moved to Galveston, Texas, where he graduated from Ball High School in 1950. While at Ball Mr. Vick was in the basketball team and also a member of the school band. He was an accomplished trombone player, a skill that he later used to serve his country.

Mr. Vick is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vernon Vick; sister, Anne Ruth Bulgherini; nephew, Lynn Vick.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 50 years, Betty Anders Vick and devoted son, Curt Vick and wife, Tammy of Santa Fe; five grandchildren, Sean Vick and wife, Steffi of Texas City, Aaron Vick of Alvin, Errik Vick of Texas City, Michael Chatterton and wife, Stephanie of Friendswood, Mandy Stott and husband, Cody of Friendswood; six great grandchildren, Thurston Kirk, Alec Vick, Levi Vick, Lily Chatterton, Ethen Stott, Abigail Stott; niece, Margaret Vick Doonan and husband, Stephen; numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Growing up in Galveston, Roy worked as a delivery boy for Star Drug Store. He rode his bicycle all over the island delivering prescriptions. Later as a teen, he used his bicycle again and collected the funds owed for ads in the Galveston Daily News.

Roy graduated early, at the mid term and received parental approval to start an exciting career at 17 years old as a fireman on the Santa Fe Railroad. He traveled the railroad for 5 years before coming back home to Galveston.

Roy was a proud veteran of the armed forces. He was drafted by the United States Army, and initially served as an artillery man in the Korean War. He later transferred to the USO Band again dutifully playing his trombone, rubbing elbows with celebrities while traveling the world in the USO tour.

After his dedicated service he again returned to Galveston where he enjoyed ballroom dancing and the vibrant Galveston nightlife.

Roy had a long career at Monsanto/Sterling where he worked as a machinist for 40 years. He could fabricate just about anything he needed for his do-it-yourself projects around the house. A man ahead of his time, he championed the ride sharing concept early on. Roy bought a mini-bus and started a carpool for his fellow Monsanto coworkers….and the occasional chicken.

Roy was happiest when he was in his garage tinkering on his hot rods and tractors. He passed on his love of fast cars to his only son, Curt and later to his grandsons.

After retirement from Sterling in 1994, he spent nearly all of his free time outside in the yard. He was an avid gardener. In fact he grew the best tasting oranges you have ever tasted.

His early years growing up in rural East Texas fostered a lifetime love of animals. Roy raised horses and chickens over the years. One of his many interests was a keen love of model trains which stemmed from his earliest career on the Santa Fe Railroad.

Betty Vick would like to acknowledge and offer special thanks to Stellis Spectrum Hospice for their compassion and professionalism. Each and every one provided exceptional care in his final days.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, with Mr. Jeff Eernisse officiating. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Curt Vick, Sean Vick, Aaron Vick, Errik Vick, Michael Chatterton and Cody Stott.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX (409) 925-3501.

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