Mickey Locklear Jr.

Howard Franklin “Mickey” Locklear Jr., age 78, unexpectedly passed away peacefully on September 9, 2024, in Nederland, Texas. He was a devoted father, cherished grandfather, and a dear friend to many.

Mickey was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on October 27, 1945, to Howard and Marie Locklear. He spent a large part of his childhood with his grandparents Alex and Beaulah (Rosy) Burns who taught him the values that he possessed and passed on to his children. He lived a life filled with love, laughter, and kindness. He was known for his warm smile, gentle demeanor, and unwavering generosity.

On October 15, 1964, Mickey enlisted into the United States Navy. Upon completion of basic training and “A” school, he was awarded Rate of Aviation Ordinance Mechanic where he served on the USS Bennington aircraft carrier. While on the USS Bennington Mickey conducted three tours to Vietnam. His primary duty was to ensure loading, unloading, and maintenance of aviation weapon systems. On November 9, 1968, Mickey was honorably discharged with a rank of AO3 from active duty. Mickey received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with (1960) device.

In 1968 Mickey began his career outside of the military in Long Beach, California where he maintained pump jacks and pipelines in the oil and gas industry. That work eventually led him by way of Tow, Texas and North Carolina, to Houston, Texas where he built several large civil/refinery projects until 1982. In 1982, Mickey returned home to Raeford, North Carolina where he eventually began work at Fort Bragg Public Works Department as a civilian federal employee. On May 31, 2013, Mickey retired as a GS11 after more than 28 years of service, where he was respected for his dedication and hard work. He approached every task with diligence and integrity, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of working with him.

In 2022, Mickey moved to Nederland, Texas to be closer to his children. In his free time, Mickey enjoyed working in his yard, golfing, traveling and visiting casinos, finding solace and joy in the simple moments spent with his family and friends. Mickey will be dearly missed by his family, extended family and friends. He touched the lives of many and will be remembered fondly for his kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit.

Mickey was preceded in death by his mother and father, Howard and Marie Locklear; maternal grandparents Alex and Beaulah (Rosy) Burns; brother Kit Locklear; sister Wanda Gail Locklear

Mickey is survived by the love of his life Angela Garvin; daughters Michelle Kieschnick and Alexa Locklear; son Seneca Locklear; stepdaughter Kathryn Foxworthy; son-in-law Thad Kieschnick; daughter-in-law Rachel Locklear; grandchildren Brian Tumlinson (wife Anais), Dalton Locklear (wife Kelsey), Michaela Dube, Kennedy Kieschnick, Saige Kieschnick, Madeleine Fergus; great-grandchildren Benton Tumlinson, Emma Locklear, Mia Tumlinson, Claire Locklear, Aiden Locklear, Ryder Tumlinson.

Mickey was the eldest of eight children. He leaves behind five siblings’ brothers Montie Locklear, Nicky Locklear, Alex (Joe) Locklear and Grover (Robbie) Small; sister RoseMary (Buttons) Revels, their spouses, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services to honor and celebrate the life of Mickey will be held at the Lowry Cemetery located at 4046 Oakgrove Church Rd., Pembroke, North Carolina 28372 on November 9, 2024, at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Mickey’s name, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105 or at https://www.stjude.org, an organization Mickey felt strongly about.

Mickey may have left this world, but his love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.