William Vinson Sr.

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, William S. Vinson, Sr. (Bill), went home to be with his Lord on November 27, 2020. Bill was born April 24, 1935 in Reydon, Oklahoma to Jessie Lee and Flora Jean Vinson. At a young age the Vinson family relocated to Dumas, Texas. In his youth, Bill committed to helping his family by working on a bread truck and Cut Rate grocery store to help make ends meet. In 1953 Bill met the love of his life Joyce (Jo) Milbern and his new life began.

Bill and Jo were married November 6, 1955. They began married life in San Diego where Bill was serving in the Navy. While in the Navy, they welcomed their first child, Becky. After completing his enlistment in the Navy, Bill transferred to the United States Air Force where he proudly served his county for 20 more years. While stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas they welcomed a son, William Scott Jr. Military life took Bill and Jo from West coast to East coast and even the “Last Frontier”. Every new location became their home because Bill believed home was where ever Jo and the kids were.

Bill lived a full and active spiritual life. With each family move, a top priority was establishing relationship with a church. He was a youth group sponsor, served as church lay leader, and participated in the fellowship of the men’s group. He also joined a bowling league, played pinochle, and enjoyed fishing and camping. Always a hard worker, Bill often worked two jobs. As befitting of his character, every job was done well and with perfection.

After retiring from the Air Force, Bill completed his education with a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy State University. He then started his second career as a JROTC instructor. His students became his kids. Although he was strict and had high expectations of his students, they knew they could count on “Sarge”. He invested in their moral character, provided comfort during home life problems, tutored, and befriended these future leaders. Long after retiring from ROTC in 1997, his students continued to rely on his guidance and mentoring.

In 1998, Bill suffered a stroke that left him with a nonfunctioning right side. He demonstrated patience, acceptance, and perseverance. He kept his faith, lived with grace, laughed and smiled often. He found joy in home and family and he was present in all things.

Bill will be remembered as a teacher to many, a mentor, a surrogate Dad and grandfather, and a kind and gentle friend to all. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his devoted wife Jo, daughter Becky Barcheski (Rick), son Scott Vinson (Susan), four granddaughters Christy Haley (Dan), Jayne Grinnell (Michael), Mary Jo Brown (Kyle), Heather McFadden (Chad) and his 14 great grandchildren (Emily, Topher, Nicholas, Ansley, Gunner, Brianna, Kayla, Elisa, Isaac, Peyton, Lydia, Gabriel, Malachi, and Julia).

The family wishes to thank the dedicated nurses and doctors on the third floor at Skyridge Medical Center. As a victim of Covid-19, his family could not be by his side. The tender care given to Bill by the staff was immeasurable. The compassion shown while holding a phone to his ear every night so Jo could tell him good night, provided much comfort during a difficult time. God Bless these nurses.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be delayed until it is safe for out of town family and friends to travel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to the Fisher House Foundation ( www.fisherhouse.org ).