James Roy Bickley Sr., Big Daddy, age 89, went to his heavenly home at his residence on Monday, June 5, 2022. Roy was born to the late Clara Bell Bickley-Lett on May 13, 1933, in Tallassee, Alabama. He accepted the Lord at an early age.

After an outstanding career at Monton High, in his native Tallassee, AL, where his team compiled an 80-0 three-year record, Roy played in the Black Negro League for the Tallahassee Indians. During his four seasons, the Indians captured back-to-back championships in 1956-1957. Roy moved to Akron, Ohio in 1957 and began a ten-year career with various leagues, first with Paparella Construction and then the Akron Pirates. This classy, third baseman helped with the Tri-County League Championships in 1961 through 1963. He batted .520 in 1962 to win the League's MVP award. Bickley later finished his playing days with the Akron Tigers and Pioneers in the AA League where he made the 1964 All-Star Team. Since then, he has enjoyed success coaching several baseball and football championship teams in the Mason Park and Goodyear Heights youth's leagues. In 1986, Roy Bickley was inducted in the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame.

After his coaching career with the youths, he successfully coached the Playmates Ladies softball team (Forty and Over League), leading them to many championships. On February 25, 2016, Roy was presented the Alumni UMADAOP Inc. Village Keeper Award. "It takes an entire Village to Raise a Child."

In 1961, Roy married Mary Ann Campbell and through this union four children were born: daughter, Rosalyn Bickley-McDonald; sons, James Roy (Vicky) Bickley, Jr.; Michael (Kia) Bickley, Sr., and Mark J. Bickley, Sr.

Roy was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann; mother, Clara Bell Bickley-Lett, son, Roy Pruitt; grandparents, Colie and Fondaray Bickley; granddaughters, LaShay, Nadia, and     Mikayla "Kay-Kay"; special sisters: Lucy Rozier, Annie Ruth Downing; special brother, Nate Paschal; special son, Mark Jones.

Roy leaves to cherish his memories his children (oldest to  youngest): Pam (Sonny) Whitehurst, Gloria Rodgers, Roy (Michelle) Dorman, Malita Sherfield, Dee Caffey, Rosalyn    Bickley-McDonald, James Roy (Vicky)    Bickley Jr., Sherry White, Mercedes White, Michael (Kia) Bickley, Sr., Jeff Miller, Nate (Ikel) Willis,  Mark Jeffery Bickley, Sr., Alfreda (Early) Ivey, Shoskamika Risper "Itty"; sister: Dorothy Ann Williams, brother: James Earl     Bostick, special  sisters: Sarah McCormick, Patricia Birmingham, and special friend: Christine Jones; special daughter: Fannie (Michael) Lamb; special sons: Marcus (Tracy) Jones and Angelo (Michelle) Banks: close friends;  Lonnie Swain "Budoff", Tom Partridge, Tony "Haze" Johnson and Gene Terry.

Grandchildren: Keysha (Raymond), Nicole "Colie", Alicia, Vanetra, Taron, Montaya,  Dasha, Michael (Lumari) Jr., TY, Myka, Toya, Danae, Talicia, Cierra, Dante, Sachet, Mark J. (Sierra) Jr., Fransohn, Marjay, Caney, Anthony, Jr., Martoya, Brandon, Paulette, Johnathan, Jr., Mona', Earlie, Preston, Mercedes, Charles, Natasha, Daynieal, Ceirra, Shenkia, Angelic, Jeff, Jr., Dontay, Toya, Cierra, Nashay, Patrick, Joesiah, Kayshawn and a host of great grands, great-great grands, family members, and friends.