(These words were written by Charlie, straight from his heart)
Charlie knew that he was approaching the horizon line, and he finally crossed over on the 28th day of July, 2013. As an avid river rafter, Charlie had gone through many horizon line rapids; those which you cannot see past a steep drop-off until the very last moment. This last horizon line could not be scouted, revealed no hints about what was on the other side, and promised no return.
Charlie had a great life, and he tried to live every minute of it to the fullest. His parents, Randolph and Kate Vinson, now deceased, were honest, noble and hardworking, and started him on the good life’s pathway. Charlie is survived by a loving sister, Linda Vinson, of Springdale, Arkansas, and her exceptional daughters, Jennifer and Randi Gbur. He is also survived by a brother, Joe Vinson, of Albuquerque with whom he shared many adventures and experiences. Anna, his adored wife, who he regretted not having met earlier in his life, was his closest companion and provided strength and resolve as he passed over the horizon line.
Born in El Paso in 1947, Charlie lived contentedly there his whole life. He treasured friends from grade school days, and built on them until the end. He graduated with the first class of Eastwood High School, and anxiously departed for the University of Texas at Austin. There he earned three degrees and a lifelong enthusiasm for the Longhorns. Also there, fortuitously, the Tejas Club found him and gave him many lifelong friends and a new understanding of life’s meaning and true rewards.
He left UT with a law degree, and had the pleasure of practicing law in El Paso, which is recognized as one of the State’s most friendly and accommodating bench and bar. He was active in the bar in his earlier years, curiously even named Young Lawyer of the Year once.
He also had a great love for El Paso, which was evident as he gave back to the community with service. He was a graduate of Leadership El Paso, was active in the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and also served on the board of the City of El Paso Housing Finance Corporation. As an avid sports fan, he was a longtime supporter of the Miner basketball and football programs; and served for many years on the Sun Bowl Selection Committee.
Charlie’s uncompromising love of family, friends and community will remain as his legacy in the fond memories of all who ever came into his sphere.
A Memorial Service in Celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on August 6, 2013 at Martin Funeral Home West. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Research at (www.mdanderson.org/gifts).
The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care and support received from Dr. Chesbro and CIMA Hospice, especially Mary Ponzio, RN, his personal friend and case worker.
Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com
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