FERRIDAY, La. — Ray Pickens, formerly of Vicksburg, died Monday, April 18, 2011, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Ferriday, La. He was 82.

Mr. Pickens was born in Ecru, Miss., the son of Samuel Fred Pickens and Sudie Floyd Pickens. He was retired as the owner and operator of Pickens Lumber Co. and was a member of First Baptist Church of Ferriday.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Maxine Pickens; one daughter, Melba Jean Buckles; four brothers, Voyce, Troy, James and Curtis Pickens; and an infant sister, Melbalene Pickens.

Survivors include two daughters, Sue Hays of Natchez and Carol Zaricor of Hewitt, Texas; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Wayne Gray and Roger Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Wintergreen Cemetery in Port Gibson with Young’s Funeral Home of Ferriday in charge. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 tonight at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Bill Burley, Billy Cliburn, Charles Sibley, Frankie Graves, Michael Burley, Robert Sibley, Sidney Champion and Sidney Lee Champion.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Huey Moak, Bill Colvin, Glenn Petty and Jack Adams.

Online condolences may be left at www.youngsfh.com.