Sam MacKinley Vickers "Mac"

Sam MacKinley “Mac” Vickers passed away peacefully on May 29, 2021, after a short illness. He was born on April 6, 1924, to his parents William Vickers and Senora Tilley in Durham, North Carolina. He was raised, attended schools, and lived in Durham until he joined the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. Following his military service, Mac returned home and worked at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital. In 1968 he moved to Santa Barbara to stay with his widowed mother and Santa Barbara became his home. He worked as a respiratory therapist at Goleta Valley Community Hospital until his retirement. Mac was an avid Dodger fan and enjoyed attending their games whenever he could. He not only kept up with the realm of sports at both the local and national level, but he also kept up with current events and politics, always digesting the news in both print and electronic media. He took his right to vote seriously, never missed an election, from City Council to the President of the United States and was fully informed on the issues. He was always grateful for the blessings of the next generations. He expressed great happiness at the arrival of grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews too. His tent was wide and welcoming. During his retirement, Mac also became an active member of St Paul AME Church, serving on the board and as treasurer. Habitually an early riser, he would walk to the church early on Sunday mornings and turn on the heater so everything would be ready before 9 am Sunday School. Mac could be counted on to visit the sick and shut-in from their congregation, always a comforting smile and a cheerful word. He will be missed by many. His mother, Senora Tilley Moore, predeceased him in 1994. His brother, Louis Vickers, his sister Irene Vickers Freeland, and his niece, Altheria Nan Freeland all preceeded him in death. Left to mourn his passing are his sons, COL. Retired Thomas W. Suitt (Dr. Varita E. Suitt), including their adult children, T’Leatha R. Suitt-Johnson (Arthur), Dr. Thomas P. Suitt (Brittany), Theresa E. Robertson (Jordan), and three great-grandchildren; Michael Tyrone Vickers (Letty Irene Vickers), including their daughters Samantha Maria and Riley Monique Vickers; and nephew Gregory K. Freeland (Sharon Hoshida), their adult children Allegra N. Shan, two great nephews and William K Freeland (Alanna Matlick); and a host of family and friends too numerous to name in both his hometowns of Durham, NC and Santa Barbara, CA. The graveside funeral service will take place Friday, June 11, 2021, 10 am at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, Mountain View, plot 68. There will be a Military Honor Guard and Reverend Elbert Sherrod, Senior Pastor St Paul AME Church will officiate. Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel, 15 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101, is handling the arrangements.

Sam MacKinley Vickers "Mac"

April 6, 1924 - May 29, 2021