Edward Vincent Ennis Jr.

Edward Vincent “Vince” Ennis, Jr., 86, formerly of Staunton, passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Shenandoah Nursing and Rehab in Fishersville. Vincent was born on October 31, 1932, the son of the late Edward Vincent, Sr. and Katherine (McCarter) Ennis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine (Harris) Ennis. Survivors include his son, Edward V. Ennis, lll and wife, Andrea of Waynesboro; three grandchildren, Edward V., lV, Matthew B. and Rachel L. Ennis, and one great granddaughter, Violet J. Hunt. He was a lifelong resident of Virginia and lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. He was born in Norfolk and spent his summers with his maternal grandparents on their farm in Elk Creek in southwest Virginia. He grew up near the ocean, learning to sail with the Sea Scouts and became an accomplished boatman. While spending time in the mountains with his grandparents, he developed a love of rural life and farming. He continued working on the farm his whole life. Vincent attended Virginia Tech and William and Mary College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict as a radioman. On June 18, 1960, he married his sweetheart, Elaine Harris. They settled in Staunton in 1965. When they first came to Staunton, Vincent was employed by Hutchinson Explosives, which supplied dynamite to the construction crews building interstates 64 and 77. He sold the materials and laid the dynamite for the blasting crews. In 1976, Vincent and Elaine purchased Holt’s China and Gifts in downtown Staunton. They ran the store for twenty-four years; providing wonderful customer service and care until they retired in 2000. Not one to sit around in retirement, Vincent spent more time on the family farm in Elk Creek, Virginia. He worked part-time at Harrisonburg Auto Auction. He devoted more time to his humanitarian interests with the Kiwanis Club, Habitat for Humanity and mission trips through his beloved Central United Methodist Church. He and his wife enjoyed many years of fellowship with members of the Model A Club and Antique Automobile Club. Going to car shows and touring together were a source of joy to them. Vincent leaves behind a family who is inspired by his motto, “Service is not an obligation, but a privilege”. He was a member of various United Methodist Churches for seventy years, fifty-three of those years as a member of Central United Methodist in Staunton. He shared his faith easily through his example of humility and kindness. He knew no strangers, only friends. We are honored to have called him father, and grandfather. Our family would like to thank the staffs of Shenandoah Nursing and Rehab Center and Legacy Hospice for their attentive and gentle care during his final illness. Following a private burial, a memorial service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Central United Methodist Church, 14 North Lewis Street, Staunton with Rev. Won Un officiating. A reception for family and friends will be held following the memorial service. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Central United Methodist Church and Staunton Kiwanis Club. There will be no public viewing or visitation at the funeral home. The Staunton Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements. Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com