Edward Vickery, age 88, of Pensacola, passed away Sunday, January 03, 2010.

Edward was born August 6, 1921 in Coxheath, AL to Mrs. Jessie Vickery and Orren Vickery.

After attending schools in early childhood in Alabama, the family relocated to Pensacola, FL where they have remained ever since.

 Edward joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1940 and remained until 1946, serving mostly in the European Theatre where he saw action in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Salerno, Italy while in the Amphibious Force.

After returning home, he was invited to become an employee of Gulf Power Co. where he remained employed for 40 years, retiring as a Line Service Supervisor in 1987.

In the later forties and during the fifties, he played on Gulf Power's softball team (fast pitch) where many trophies were earned. Also, during this period he played baseball in the old County League.

Edward was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and for 12 years, was the President and Business Manager of the I.B.E.W. Local Union #1055.

While serving as Business Manager, he helped organize the local unions on the properties of the Southern Company into Utility Coordinating Council #1 and was elected president of the Council, remaining president until he joined Gulf Power's Management Team.

Edward was an active member of Myrtle Grove Community Club for many years, and also the manager of ball teams each year for about 12 years.

These were the growing years at Myrtle Grove that required much hard work and was financed by the people with donations of all types.

Edward is survived by his wife of 47 years, Angell; children, Shirley Rhodes Pope (John), Larry Vickery (Ellen), Hazel C. Seamans, James R. Seamans (Joan); former son-in-law, Wayne Rhodes; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Olga Jenkins and Vangell Hayden (George).

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 100 Beverly Pkwy with Rev. Alton Butler officiating. Interment will follow in Myrtle Grove Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gulf Power retirees.

The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel South one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.