Andrew Reid “Slim” Pickens

CHARLOTTE – Andrew R. “Slim” Pickens, age 52, of Charlotte passed away Thursday November 17, 2011.

A celebration of life and full retired fire service honors will be held graveside at 11:00 am, Tuesday November 22, 2011 at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC.

Andy was born October 12, 1959, in Charlotte 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 US Navy that included tours of duty on board the USS Nimitz.

“Slim” as many knew him, joined the Charlotte Fire Department in 1982 and retired after 25 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Charlotte in 2007.

Throughout his fire service career, Slim Pickens worked tirelessly for the safety, health, and benefits of fellow firefighters as a member of International Associations of Firefighters Local #660. For 8 years, Slim served as secretary and executive board member for Charlotte Firefighters Association local #660. In addition, he served as District Vice-President for the Professional Firefighters of North Carolina.

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 included 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, Charlotte, NC is serving the Pickens family and firefighters.