Sam Crosby Vinson

Sam Crosby Vinson, age 83, of Hendersonville, Tennessee passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Sam was born on November 18, 1941, in Springfield, TN to his parents Pat Vinson & Bessie Birdwell Vinson. Sam attended Springfield High School and East High, and when Sam was 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After a brief tenure of service, he was medically discharged from the service.

Sam met his wife of 62 years when he was just 19 years old. Phyllis Allen Tosh and Sam were married within a year of meeting and went on to have four children. Sam and Phyllis had a mutual love of playing golf, going to races at the Nashville Speedway, attending baseball games at Shelby Park, and attending the sporting events of their children and eventually their grandchildren. Over the years, Sam and Phyllis enjoyed entertaining their friends with parties at their home, traveling to various golf courses throughout the Southeast, and most importantly, spending time with their family.

Sam was a commercial plumbing contractor beginning his career at Eller Brothers Plumbing. He eventually opened his own company, Vinson Plumbing Company, with partner and friend, John Fyke. The company played an integral part in building schools, hospitals, hotels, and other commercial buildings throughout Middle Tennessee. After 17 years of owning his company, Sam continued his career at M.R. Dillard and eventually returned to working with his family at The Vinson Group, LLC. After 40-plus years of plumbing work, Sam retired to spend time with his family, his pets, and to, of course, have more time for playing golf.

Sam had a personality that filled any room that he entered. His quick wit and sarcasm entertained his family, his friends, and kept everyone on their toes. He had nicknames for everyone…. Weezy, Bopper, Dog, and Boog were a few of his closest friends. While Sam relentlessly picked on those he loved, he could also take what he dished out which often resulted in much laughter for all involved.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents Pat Vinson and Bessie Birdwell Vinson, brothers Jimmie Vinson, Robert Vinson, Curly Vinson, and sister Robbie Jean Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis Allen (Tosh) Vinson, daughters Robbie Jean Vinson, Rhonda Faye (Gary) Rager, Kassie Renee Winnett, son Sam Crosby (Kathy) Vinson, Jr., grandchildren Christopher Shane (Leila) Vinson, Kassie Alyssa (Joshua) Baker, William Levi Garrett, Sam Crosby Vinson III, Kaylin Elizabeth Vinson, great-grandchildren Lily Mae Vinson, Fiona Renee Baker, sister Beth (David) Stillwell, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gathering of family and friends Tuesday January 28, 2025 from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at Hermitage Funeral Home. Celebration of Life will be held at noon in the Tulip Grove Room also at Hermitage Funeral Home. Burial following Hermitage Memorial Gardens.