(800) 990-5638
BHT ReSources announces with profound sadness the passing of Talmai Owen Vickers, Sr., Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President, who passed away on April 5, 2026, at the age of 76.
A third-generation leader of the company, Owen dedicated more than six decades of his life to Birmingham Hide & Tallow Co., Inc., now operating as BHT ReSources. He began his career with the company on June 1, 1965, and was elected Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President effective January 1, 1985.
Under Owen’s leadership, BHT ReSources grew into one of the Southeast’s most respected resource recovery and rendering companies, expanding operations across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and parts of several additional states in the region. Even through this growth, he remained steadfastly committed to the family values of prompt service, trusted relationships, and fair market pricing that have guided the company since the Vickers family acquired it in the mid-1930s.
“Owen’s leadership was defined by vision, integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the people who made this company what it is—our employees, customers, suppliers, and communities,” said Michael Glenn, acting CEO. “His legacy is reflected not only in the growth of BHT ReSources, but in the culture of trust, service, and stewardship he instilled for future generations.”
Born in Lebanon, Tennessee, in July 1949, Owen attended Castle Heights Military Academy and later graduated from the The University of Alabama in 1971 with a degree in Business Administration, concentrating in management and finance.
Beyond his leadership at BHT ReSources, Owen was widely respected in business, civic, and industry circles. He served as a director of The Banc Corporation and Vesta Insurance Group, was a longtime board member of the North American Renderers Association, and served on the boards of several privately held companies and nonprofit organizations, including Children’s Harbor.
He was also an accomplished real estate developer whose projects across Alabama, Florida’s Gulf Coast, and Colorado reflected the same entrepreneurial vision and disciplined execution that marked his leadership at BHT ReSources.
Most importantly, Owen was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man of deep faith, whose life was grounded in his love for his family and his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His character, generosity, and steady conviction left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Marsha Vickers; his children Tal Vickers (Julie), Lelie Wright (Trent), Joni Kniseley (Chris), and Maggie Schmidt (Caleb); along with his beloved grandchildren.
BHT ReSources extends its deepest condolences to the Vickers family and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Owen. His leadership, conviction, and enduring commitment to the company’s people and mission will continue to guide BHT ReSources as the company moves forward serving its customers and communities with the same excellence he championed throughout his life.
Operations across all BHT ReSources facilities continue uninterrupted, and the company remains fully committed to serving its customers, partners, and suppliers with excellence.