Dr. Joel Ellison Vickers
April 9, 2020
Dr. Joel Ellison Vickers
February 5, 1939 – April 9, 2020
Dr. Joel Ellison Vickers, 81, passed away peacefully under the watchful eye of health care professionals at Atrium Health, Charlotte Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, on April 9, 2020. He was born February 5, 1939, in Durham, NC, to Elizabeth and Andrew J. Vickers. Following graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force where he served nine years as a B-52 Navigator and Military Intelligence Officer. His patriotic nature led him to continue his military service in the U.S. Army Reserve, Medical Services Corp. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with 28 years of cumulative military service.
Joel’s passion for intellectual growth led him to attain a Master Degree in Public Health and a Doctor of Public Health. Joel enjoyed a long and prestigious career in health care administration; he was a tenured member of the faculty at East Carolina University, and an adjunct associate professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Additionally, he served as the Deputy Director for both Eastern and Western North Carolina Area Health and Education Centers. Joel joined the educational staff at Pfeiffer University in 1997 where he assumed the role of Professor and Chair of the Department of Health Administration. As a visionary, his ingenuity and insightfulness led to the formation of a health administration program that became the largest in the Carolinas and one of the largest in the country. Dr. Vickers received honorary Emeritus status by Pfeiffer University upon his retirement in 2012.
Joel’s faith sustained him through life, and he passionately shared his faith in God with his many friends at Matthews United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher and Trustee. Joel had numerous passions. Most notably reading and gardening were at the top of the list. He would often spend hours of the day working in his yard planting flower bulbs, shrubs, and trees or landscaping one of his many garden beds. He truly loved “digging in the dirt.”
His greatest passion was spending time with his beloved wife, Jeannette, of 61 years. They were literally inseparable, and if you saw one, you would surely see the other. Joel leaves what he would consider a “life well lived,” complete with wonderful memories with family and friends, adventures across the globe, and a generous amount of words of wisdom to live by. Joel’s legacy of love, faithfulness, compassion, stewardship, and friendship left an indelible mark on all those he touched. He will always be remembered for his delicious contributions of food and wonderful cooking during family gatherings.
Joel is survived by his children, Scott Vickers (Cindy), Danny Vickers (Tina), Kevin Vickers (Stacy), and Gloria Vickers (Byron). Joel was known as PawPaw to his many grandchildren and loved spending time with each of them: Nick, Chris, Jeff, Luke, (Morgan), Savannah, Katherine, Braden, and great grandson Grayson. He is also survived by Mike Harrelson (Judy). Joel was predeceased by his wife, Jeannette, and son, Ken Vickers.
We would like to acknowledge the excellent level of care given to Joel by the staff at Atrium Health, Charlotte Medical Center during this unique era of time in our country. Those wishing to memorialize and honor Joel are asked to contribute to the Jeannette VanBoskerck Vickers Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704)641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com
Comments
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Dr. Joel Vickers was a great man of many talents. He taught me so much about life and living!! Thank you Dr
Joel Vickers for showing me the way!!! By Betty Dixon. -
I don’t know how I was led to this obituary. To everything, there is a purpose . As I read, my thoughts were “what an interesting person”. Military, faith and civic leader are among the most noble fields. I read on and saw the survivors. The names of Mike and Judy Harrelson caught my eye. Judy is my aunt and was previously married to my uncle. Indeed, It is a small world. Please accept my condolences for your loss and the community’s loss. May your faith help you through these challenging times. With Christian sympathy, Becky McKinnon Wetzel (Pageland)
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My condolences to the family. Dr. Vickers was my professor 5 years ago. He was truly a great man and educator. He shared so much knowledge and optimism with his students. Whenever he walked into the room we knew we were in for a treat. I looked forward to his classes. Thank you, Dr. Vickers, for all you did to shape and mold so many. You will be missed and remembered fondly. Rest in peace.
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Dr. Vickers was the sole reason I pursued and achieved my masters degree. Not only did he bring Pfeiffer’s MHA/MBA program to Winston-Salem, he encouraged me to participate- many times before I agree. He taught me what servant leadership is. He exemplified it. I don’t say this to be flippant or funny, I grew up in a trailer park with an alcoholic father and a mother who was a cook in a nursing home. Never, did I ever believe I could achieve a graduate degree. He believed it. He told me I was smart and I should do it. He said I would never regret it, and I never have. Post-secondary education was something I never considered. I didn’t think I could afford it. He talked me through it and helped me figure out how to pay for it. If it weren’t for Dr. Vickers, I wouldn’t have the job I have today. Not only did my degree enable me to get a better job, it enabled me to have a better standard of living. There’s no way I could put my daughter through UNC-Ch and have her graduate debt free. (And I have a 16 year old soon to follow.). I know this is only one success story among many thst can be attributed to Dr. Vickers. Never have I met a more kind, compassionate, wise soul. To his children- you were blessed with a father that changed many, many people’s lives (and future generations) for the better. May God grant you all peace during this difficult time.
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Joel was always kind and committed to everyone and everything he encountered. He was a dedicated professional and always a gentleman. It was my honor and privilege to know him and work with him during our time together at Pfeiffer University. I'm a better person through my association with Joel and Jeanette.
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To the Vickers family. I just read about Joel’s passing in today’s Charlotte Observer. Joel was my Deputy Director and lead executive at the Charlotte AHEC for several years. He was a consummate professional and very good leader. He was a good friend as well. I send you my condolences during this difficult time.
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To the Vickers family. I just read about Joel’s passing in today’s Charlotte Observer. Joel was my Deputy Director and good friend at the Charlotte AHEC for 8 years. He was a consummate professional and excellent leader as well as a wonderful human being. I extend my sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time.
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Uncle Joel I will miss you! You and Jeanette were always so very kind to me. I’m very sorry that l wasted time and did not visit you after Aunt Net’s passing. I know you’re happy now that you were with her in heaven.
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Joel and Jeanette had a pet name for me which no one else used but them. "Trish" will never leave their lips again but my heart will always hear it. Joel was a very unique person in this world. He was a fantastic brother in-law to Bill and me. (Bill was Jeanette's brother. Me Bill's wife.) I was so proud to know and love him.Never in this world has there ever been a marriage like his and Nets and I would have loved to have been able to see their reunion. Joel was so kind, loving and sincere all his life and a friend to so many. He loved his family so much and showed it. There is not even enough words to describe how much he will be missed. As we say good bye, we cry but Joel is with his loving God and at peace.
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