Andrew Pickens

"Slim"

Andrew R. ""Slim'' Pickens, 52, of
Charlotte, NC passed away
Thursday November 17, 2011. A
celebration of life and full retired
fire service honors will be held
graveside at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday
November 22, 2011 at Sharon
Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe
Road, Charlotte, NC. Andy was
born October 12, 1959 in Char
lotte to the late Dorothy and
Charles Pickens. He graduated
from Garinger High School class
of 1977. Early on, he found his
loyalty to public service as he
proudly served our country in
the U.S. Navy, including tours of
duty on board the USS Nimitz.
""Slim,'' as many knew him,
joined the Charlotte Fire Depart
ment in 1982 and retired after 25
years of dedicated service to the
citizens of Charlotte in 2007.
Throughout his fire service ca
reer, Slim Pickens worked tire
lessly for the safety, health, and
benefits of fellow firefighters as
a member of International Asso
ciations of Firefighters Local
#660. For 8 years, Slim served as
Secretary and Executive Board
Member for Charlotte Firefight
ers Association Local #660. In
addition, he served as District
Vice-President for the Profes
sional Firefighters of North Car
olina. A loyal hockey fan, he
could be found many nights
cheering and supporting the
Charlotte Checkers. In recent
years, Slim became active and a
supporter of the Charlotte Hand
Drumming Community that in
cluded many performances on
Friday night in NODA. Slim was
a true advocate for cats; in lieu of
flowers, memorials can be made
to the ""2nd Chance Medical
Fund'' C/O CMPD Animal Care
Control, 8315 Byrum Drive,
Charlotte, NC 28217.
Carolina Mortuary Service,
1903 Sharon Forest Drive, Char
lotte, NC, is serving the Pickens
family and firefighters.