Herman Conley Vinson, 89, passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. A service celebrating Herman’s life will be held at First Baptist Church of Clayton on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 11:00am with the committal service following at Maplewood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 pm at McLaurin Funeral Home.
Herman was born on October 21, 1931 to the late Turner and Elizabeth Conley Vinson. He married Mary Valeria Shearon Aug 19, 1962 and was known as a gentleman who adored his wife. Val and Herman enjoyed 59 years of marriage. He was devoted to his family, especially his brother, Turner, his nephews, nieces and countless cousins. Herman never knew a stranger and was known as a living Clayton Almanac. Herman was loyal to his hometown community, serving Clayton High School students for 31 years and was also a member of the Clayton Rotary Club recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, Member of the American Legion Post 71 and active leader in the First Baptist Church in Clayton. He loved his country, serving in the US Army following graduation from college.
He attended East Carolina University earning a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree. As a member of the faculty of Clayton High School, he taught history and served as Guidance Counselor for more than 5000 graduates during his career. He enjoyed years of Comet football games from the stands and the gate.
Surviving are his wife, Valeria “Val” Vinson; nieces, Caroline “Beth” Cox and husband, Doug, Julie Stewart and Jennifer Stewart; nephew, Danny Johnson; great nieces and great nephews, Jacob Stewart and wife, Miranda, Nathan Stewart and wife, Brianna, Amanda Sanders and husband, Teddy, Pamela Hartley and husband, Brett; great-great nephew and nieces, William, Haley and Cordyllya. He was preceded in death by his brother, Turner Vinson, Jr.; his sister, Sue Stewart; a niece, Sue Johnson; and nephews, David Stewart and C.T. Stewart.
Many thanks are extended to friends, family and neighbors for years of kidding and laughter, cards and kindness and support of Herman and Val especially in recent years.
While flowers are welcome, memorial contributions may also be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 35, Clayton, NC 27528. American Legion Post 71, 1300 Old U.S. Hwy 70, Clayton, NC 27520 or to the Rotary Club of Clayton, PO Box 462 Clayton, NC 27528. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Vinson family may be entered below within the "add a memory" tab.
