Dale J. Vickrey Jr.

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Dale J. Vickrey Jr., 61, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, went to his heavenly home on January 1, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born on August 26, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Dale J. Vickrey Sr. and Phyllis Stark Vickrey. The Vickrey family moved to Carlsbad in 1975, where Dale attended Eddy Elementary, Alta Vista, and Mid-High School. He later returned to Albuquerque, attending Rio Grande School for a short time, before coming back home to Carlsbad, where he graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1982.

During his school years, Dale played the saxophone in the school band, was a member of FFA, wrestled, and developed a lifelong love for bull riding. Dale rode bulls in multiple rodeo associations throughout New Mexico and Texas. He had a heart of gold and would truly give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Family always was Dale’s greatest priority.

On February 14, 1980, Dale met the love of his life, Angie McCarty, at an FFA softball game. That same day, he told his father, “You see that little redhead over there? I’m going to marry her.” Dale and Angie were married on February 14, 1982, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, beginning a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion. They were blessed with two amazing children, Dale J. Vickrey III and Jennifer J. Vickrey, whom Dale was endlessly proud of.

Dale dedicated his life to hard work and craftsmanship. He began his career as a heavy equipment and blade operator for Eddy County, then worked at New Mexico Potash / Intrepid Potash, serving in underground maintenance and topside as a welder. Dale spent the last 20½ years working at WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant), where he served in underground maintenance and most recently as an Instrumentation and Control Technician. He was an active member of United Steelworkers Local 12-9477, serving as a steward.

A true craftsman and perfectionist, Dale could fix just about anything—automobile engines, washing machines, or electrical systems. He worked on problems until he had them figured out, and he fixed them right. When he wasn’t working, Dale devoted every possible moment to his family—spending evenings and weekends hauling kids to rodeos, baseball games, wrestling matches, and football games, camping, backyard BBQs. Later, he and Angie enjoyed traveling, going to concerts, camping, riding their Harley motorcycle, spending time with friends and dancing any chance they had; if music was playing, they were on the dance floor. He adored his four granddaughters, who were definitely not spoiled, December 29, 2025, he was blessed to meet his first great-grandson, Kolter Lee-James. To know Dale was to know loyalty. If he was your friend, he always had your back.

Dale was preceded in death by his grandparents James Vickrey and Eva Bambrook Vickrey, James R. Stark and Dorsie Bruce Stark; his parents Dale J. Vickrey Sr. and Phyllis Stark Vickrey; his nephew Bubba Briones; and his father-in-love Arvon McCarty.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Angie Vickrey; son, Dale J. Vickrey III; daughter, Jennifer Appenzeller and husband, Adam; granddaughters: Shelbi Appenzeller, Shaylee Appenzeller, Castin Vickrey, and Copper Vickrey; great-grandson, Kolter Lee-James; sister, Ann Harrelson and husband, Carl; mother-in-love, Wanda McCarty; brothers-in-love Arvon McCarty and wife, Vicki, Tim McCarty and wife, Terri, Shawn McCarty and wife, Karla; sister-in-love, Dawn Reid and husband, Toby; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom he loved with all his heart.

Pallbearers will be Dale Vickrey III, Shawn McCarty, Adam Appenzeller, JB Bratcher, Timmy McCarty, Toby Reid, Shawn Garriott, Jeff Graham, Chris Arnoldy. Honorary Pallbearers are Kolter Lee-James, Tim Briones, Weldon Briones, Kenneth Rios, Arvon McCarty, Zander Lopez, Payton McCarty, Jesus Baltran, Jerry Young, Jimmy Tarvin, Kenneth Dowdy, Dale Jameson, Dustin Bratcher, Preston Bratcher.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Denton Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 PM, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at the Walter Gerrells Civic Center, Carlsbad, NM. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery, New Section.

A gathering will follow at Bad Bass BBQ Event Center. Family and friends are invited to join the family for food, fellowship, and the sharing of memories.

Dale’s faith carried him home, and the family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace.

It’s Not goodbye — It’s see You Later!. Love you Mostest! No backies!!!