Johnny Ray Wicker
Johnny (John) Ray Wicker, 93 of Charlotte, went Home to Jesus Christ on January 24, 2024. John was born August 25, 1930, in Stantonville, TN. He spent his childhood there and in Gobler, MO, where he helped the family clear land with a mule, pick cotton, and worked with his local church, giving his life to Jesus at that time.
He met Joyce Young on a trip to Michigan. He was drafted, and they were married in 1951 as he went to England for the Korean War. Upon his return, they settled in the Lansing area and started their family while John was a welder at Fisher Body. He bought a garden tractor, and had so many requests for black dirt, sand, gravel and bulldozing that he quit Fisher Body and started a sand, gravel and excavating business, Wicker Inc., with Joyce handling the office. Upon retirement, they moved to Charlotte, where he developed a herd of Angus cattle, providing club calves for the local fairs. It was during this time that he rededicated his life to Christ.
John and Joyce enjoyed family, traveling, cattle shows and rodeos. They loved hosting gatherings at their farm with family, friends and church. His message to us all is, “I love my family. I had a beautiful wife, I worked hard to support my family and did the best I could. I am blessed by the Lord Jesus.”
John is survived by his children, Bethany (Robert) Delaney of Charlotte, Larry (Terri) Wicker of Eaton Rapids, John (Maureen) Wicker of Okemos, and Douglas (Mary) Wicker of Lansing; grandchildren, John (Jenna) Delaney, Christine (Adam) Graff , Josiah Delaney, Hannah Wicker, Rebekah (Nathan) Eagle, Michael Wicker, Samuel (Katelynn) Wicker, and Rachael (Josh) Ryan; great-grandchildren, Leon, Alice, Willa, JohnDavid and Forrest; step-grandchildren, Uriah (Marie) Clise, Isaiah (Shelley) Clise, Zech Clise, Amanda Miller, and Paula (Erick Buckner) Miller; and great-step-grandchildren, Collin, Liam, Ian and Brielle; siblings, Betty Christian, Lloyd (Sammie) Wicker, Shirley (Frank) Wright; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Joyce; his parents, Ira and Jewel; and brothers, Floyd, Dee and Jack (JW).
Visitation was Sunday, January 28, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte and Monday, January 29, at Oneida Gospel Church. Funeral services were Monday, January 29, 11:00 a.m. at Oneida Gospel Church, 3048 Strange Highway, Grand Ledge, with a luncheon following. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Oneida Gospel Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.