Vickie Cheek Gray

Published 8:27 am Friday, September 25, 2009

Name: Vickie Cheek Gray

Age: 52

Occupation and title: Manager at General Nutrition Center in Franklin

Spouse’s name: Roger Gray Sr.

Children’s names and ages: Roger Jr. (Bubba), 27, Stephanie, 25, grandson, Dawson 4

Church affiliation: Boykins Baptist Church

If I could change my name, I’d make it: I love my name and wouldn’t change it

Pet I’d like to own: A beagle puppy (female)

People say I look like: My maternal grandmother and young for my age

Favorite movie of all time: All dog movies are my favorites

TV show I never miss: CBS Early Show

The secret to happiness is: Seeing the world through the eyes of a child and staying young at heart

I wish I knew how to: Never complain about anything or let little things stress me out

Song I’d love to sing karaoke to: That has to be the rap version of Thomas You’re the Leader of Great Discovery DVD/duet with my 4-year-old grandson Dawson

If I had to eat only three foods for the rest of my life, they’d be: Charcoal grilled porterhouse steak, barbecue chicken and a chocolate fudge sundae with nuts

Three words that best describe me: Controlling, caring and witty

One superpower I wish I had: To make things I love stay new and ageless

Book currently on my nightstand: Thomas the Train books I read to Dawson at bedtime

My proudest achievement: Insuring my daughter got a good education and supporting her career

My most humbling moment: Being part of Stephanie birthing Dawson

My most recent trip: A short visit to my sister Betty’s gorgeous place in the country

My life won’t be complete until: Both my children are happily married with the homes and families of their dreams.

My friends think I’m: A workaholic, warm and caring, talkative, crazy and funny at times.

I really lose my cool when: My husband tells me what to do or how to cook or wash clothes

Favorite college sports team: Virginia Tech

Favorite pro sports team: I have two — Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins

Favorite color: Carolina blue

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learned, and who taught you? To always have faith and always finish what you start — my parents and my husband

What’s the best decision you’ve made in life? To live where I do

Which local charitable or non-profit organization do you wish more people would support? Always support or be active in your local fire and rescue departments.

What gives you the blues? When one of my children leave home for school or live on their own

What’s your best childhood memory? Sliding down a waterfall in a pair of Levi jeans near my grandparents mountain home

What’s your most recent venture? Putting replacement windows in and siding trim on our home