Born in Brunswick, Georgia, where his father was stationed during his naval service, Paul spent his early years traveling with his parents (and brother) during his fathers 20 year naval career. He started working at Wiggins Clothes, during his teen years, and graduated from Pensacola High School I’m 1964. Paul received a bachelors degree in philosophy, from the University of West Florida, before moving to San Francisco, California, in 1970. He then moved to various places in Colorado, where he became a non destructive testing worker, until an on-site accident occurred in 1977. Paul and then wife Susan enrolled in a class on stained glass, at The Art Glass School of Denver, where he was only able to attend one class, prior to the accident. After that, Susan would go to class, then come home and teach him. In 1978, they moved back to Pensacola, Florida, just in time for his daughter’s birth. Paul and Susan then opened up a glass shop, that they named Alissa’s Stained Glass. Paul began teaching classes on stained glass at, both, The University of West Florida, and Pensacola Junior College, which he continued doing for years. He was featured in publications, and recognized by many organizations for his glass art, including placing first in crafts at The Great Gulf Coast Art Festival. Years later, he completed his masters, in English, from the University of West Florida. Paul’s career working with glass (which included blowing, and kiln work) continued throughout the rest of his life, with a project still on his work table at the time of his death.
His passion was not exclusive to glass, as he also loved music. No specific kind, and he was always happy to discover a new artist/band. It was the background to his work, or play, and brought him peace when it was time to relax. Paul was known for making mix tapes, and then CD’s, for many people over the years. It was a special gift to receive one, knowing how many hours he had spent designing exactly how one song would flow into the next.
He leaves his daughter Alissa Dobson (Jesse), grandson Ayden Dobson, brother Larry Vickrey, sister Terry Vickrey-Aponte (Jesus), ex-wife Susan Hughes, nieces Anna Vickrey, Jessica Vickrey, Carla Vickrey, nephews Chad Gowens, James Williams, many extended family, and friends who he considered family.
He was preceded in death by his mother Vicki Vickrey in 1998, father Wayne Vickrey in 2006, step-mother Catherine Vickrey in 2008, and nephew Scott Vickrey in 2008.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, November 23, starting at 5:00pm located at National Cremation & Burial Society, 5641 Hwy 90 W., Milton, FL 32583.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fisher Center For Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. www.alzinfo.org
