Jerry Eugene Vinson
Jerry Eugene Vinson’s worldly journey ended on November 5, 2024, surrounded by love and family in Lucedale, Mississippi. He was born June 3, 1949 in Dothan, Alabama, to Euger Cornelius and Lura T. (Lee) Vinson, but spent the better part of the last 30 years in Charlotte, Michigan. Jerry relished the joys of woodworking, operating his tractor on the family farm, driving semi-trucks, and being a soldier for 23 years, but most of all, Jerry loved time with his family. Jerry was a dedicated husband of 54 years. He was a committed family man with a hard-working, yet humble heart, full of love and adoration for all of his family.
Jerry grew up in Charlotte, and graduated from high school in 1968, he then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 23 years. He was a drill sergeant (BCT and AIT) for two 2-year stints while stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served two tours in Vietnam; one tour in Gelenhausen, Germany; as well as being stationed at Ft. Eustis, Virginia, and Ft. Rucker, Alabama, and retired from Ft. Hood, Texas. While serving in the U.S. Army he received many medals and commendations, including: an Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters; a Good Conduct Medal; a National Defense Service Medal, with one Service Star; a Vietnam Service Medal, with one Silver Service Star; a Professional Development Ribbon, numeral 3; an Army Service Ribbon; and an Overseas Ribbon. After retirement Jerry served as a Road Captain for the American Legion Riders. He proudly was instrumental in bringing the Vietnam Memorial Wall to Charlotte. What Jerry wanted most was to have his own family. On May 18, 1970, he married Janice, the love of his life. He’d known Janice since 7th grade, when he came to public school from country school. Together they had four wonderful children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jerry worked in several job positions, his last being at Northern Concrete Pipe Company, doing what he loved, driving a semi-truck; loading, off-loading, and delivering concrete pipe for many construction sites in Michigan. Jerry’s favorite places to be after retirement were on his John Deere tractor or sitting in his big yard, watching his family playing or getting ready for a barbecue picnic. Jerry loved his children. He spent his last months in Lucedale, with his wife, Janice, youngest son, JC, and his daughter, Alicea.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 ½ years, Janice (Cornelius) Vinson; his four children, Jerry Cornelius (Amanda) Vinson, DeLaura Alice (Joe) Maples, William Jerry Frank (Angela Johnson) Vinson, and Alicea Laurane Vinson; siblings, Neal, Larry, and Matthew Vinson, and David Bishop; and, stepmother, Pauline Vinson; along with 19 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and countless other who loved him dearly. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Lura T. (Lee) Vinson; his father, Euger Cornelius Vinson; sister Teresa Andrews; nephew, Derek Don Vinson; and grandson, Corbin Jackson Vinson.
Friends are encouraged to support Jerry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service was held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, with pastor Wally Miars officiating. A visitation was just prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Jerry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the family would be appreciated. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.