Lee (Sonny) Gordon Vansickle

Lee (Sonny) Vansickle 85, passed away on Saturday March 26, 2016 after complications from a recent illness. Thanks to all who have prayed for him and our Family in recent days. His separation from this life starts his new life in Heaven.

Sonny was born near Tichnor, Arkansas to the late Chester and Hattie Vansickle on February 6, 1931. After graduating from Gillette High School, he continued his education at Southern State College (Magnolia AR) and proudly played football for the Muleriders. While in college he met and married his one and only love, Clara J. (Perry). They had 52 wonderful years together before her passing in 2004.

After his graduation in 1953, Sonny began US Army active duty training assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC where he proudly earned his jump wings. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge, the Family moved back to Arkansas where he began his life-long career in education. In 1956, Sonny and Clara packed all their belongings into a car, along with their two infant children and moved (sight unseen) to Pt Lavaca. His employment with CCISD spanned 33 years as a teacher and coach.

Before his retirement, Coach Vansickle (aka Smiley), taught, coached and touched the lives of thousands of young men and women. Many of them still recall memories of time spent in the classroom, practice fields, games and the field trips. No doubt they remember his consistent discipline, competitive nature and a willingness to help them all, individually.

His legacy – “Do the right thing. It’s not worth doing unless you give 100%. Success is solely based on effort. Never, ever quit”. He believed it, he taught it, he lived it, every day of his life.

After Sonny and Clara retired, they moved to Victoria to be closer to Family. They joined the First United Methodist Church where Sonny served as an usher until his passing. Over the last 20 plus years, they were able to enjoy making many great memories. Sonny was able to devote more time to his true passions: hunting and fishing with Family and friends. He really enjoyed watching grandchildren grow and doing what he loved most, piddling around.

Sonny is preceded by: his parents, loving wife Clara, sister Jeanelle Wallace and daughter in law Starr Carville Vansickle.

He is survived by: brother Billy Vansickle (Sarah) of Calallen TX; sister Betty Joyce Dees (Gean) of Magnolia AR; brother in law Orville Lloyd Wallace of Gillette AR; sister in law Mary Cheatham (Jerry) of Victoria; children: Cathy Heaton of North Little Rock AR and Herschel Vansickle of Victoria; Grandchildren: Staff Sgt Robert Heaton of Ft Polk LA, Caitlyn Heaton of Magnolia AR, Lauren Vansickle and Kyle Vansickle; Great-grandchildren: Liliana Heaton and Gabriel Heaton.

The Family will receive friends and visitors from 6pm- 7 pm Tuesday, March 29th with funeral services to be held at 10am Wednesday, March 30 with Rev Tim Brewer officiating. Visitation and services will be at Rosewood Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens..

Pallbearers: Charles Hall, Leon Mulhlstein, Horacio Gonzales, Ray Parkin, Jerry Cheatham, Staff Sgt Robert Heaton and Kyle Vansickle. Honorary pallbearers: Dennis Lala, Frank Mendez and all of Sonny’s fellow and former teachers, coaches, players, athletic managers/trainers as well as his hunting and fishing buddies.

Special thanks to all of Dad’s doctors and the staff at Citizens Medical Center for their excellent care and compassion.