Ray Vinson

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-10.

Ray Franklin Vinson went home to be with his Savior at 7:15AM on July 28th, 2012 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 80 years old and passed away at his residence. A native of Chipley, Florida, he was born December 7, 1931. He joined the United States Air Force in 1951, and was eventually stationed at Chenault Air Force Base with the 806th Air Police Squadron. After his military service was completed, he married the former Jewel Nadine Gilley of Gillis. They made Lake Charles their home.

Mr. Vinson believed in the finished work of Jesus Christ as the basis for his sure salvation and was a communing member of Trinity Baptist Church. He was a faithful husband, caring father, and doting grandfather. He was also a good friend, and loved to play practical jokes. He had an outstanding work ethic, and enjoyed a 42 year career with the Lake Charles American Press, from which he retired in 1997. He was a skilled gardener with a special knack for growing oranges, and maintained a small citrus grove on his property. He was also an avid fisherman who loved to catch (and eat) white perch from Toledo Bend, and flounder from Big Lake. Furthermore, he enjoyed reunions with the 806th Air Police Squadron, which he attended almost annually.

Mr. Vinson was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Sowell Vinson; father Ewell Nathanial Vinson; brother Lloyd Nathanial Vinson; and sister Marion Nell Wilson.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jewel Nadine Gilley Vinson; a daughter, Karen Yvetta Vinson Brasher; a son, Darrell Glenn Vinson and wife Kerri; five grandchildren, Shaun Brasher, Magan Brasher, Jenna Vinson, Erik Vinson, and Kate Vinson; one great grandchild, Cade Brasher; three sisters, Ruth Edenfield of Florida, Noralene Lawrence of Alabama, and Pauline Williams of Alabama; two brothers, Marlin Vinson and Harold Vinson of Florida.

Funeral services will be at 10:00AM Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at Hixson Funeral Home. Rev. Dan Batchelor will officiate. Interment will follow in Prien Memorial Park. Visitation Monday will be from 4PM until 9PM. Visitation Tuesday will be 8:00 AM until the time of the service in the funeral home.