Francis "Frank" Vinson

Francis (Frank) Marion Vinson passed away on Monday, September 4, while at the Hospice of the Piedmont, after a long-fought health battle. He and his wife, Jo, celebrated their 41st anniversary this past July.

Frank was born January 26, 1938, in Louisa, Kentucky to the late Forest and Evelyne Vinson. Soon thereafter, his family relocated to St. Albans, West Virginia and more than twenty-five years ago, Frank and his wife moved to Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Frank was predeceased by his son, Matthew Vinson, daughter, Melinda McNaughton, grandsons Brent Fowlkes and Jeff Fowlkes, and brother, Joseph Vinson.

He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Jo, his daughter, Susan Jones, his stepson (whom he considered a son), Jamie Kessel (Erin), brothers, Fred (Virginia) Vinson and Bert (Becky) Vinson, grandsons, James Corbett Kessel and Burton Mick Kessel, granddaughter, Erin Jones, and three great-grandchildren, Bridget Fowlkes, Aniya Carter and DJ Carter.

Frank was truly one of a kind. A unique and caring individual, he effortlessly became friends with every person he met. After graduating St. Albans High School, he followed his desire to explore the world and together with some friends, he ventured west to Colorado and surrounding states where they found work prospecting for uranium. They often lived far away from the nearest towns and hunted deer, elk, and turkey for the meat they needed.  Some of his most memorable stories were tales of how he and his friends survived during the large Colorado winter snowfalls that would cover the top of their trailer.  After his adventures in Colorado, Frank returned to St. Albans, where he worked in the chemical industry for Union Carbide. During this time, he also managed to serve in in the U.S. Naval Reserves from which he was honorably discharged following 8 years of service. 

It was after returning to his hometown that Frank began to develop an interest in politics.  He was elected to the St. Albans City Council at what was considered a young age for the time and later went on to serve as Vice Mayor.  One writer covering a City Council meeting termed it the “Frank Vinson Show,” which may make sense to those who knew him.  Outside of work Frank loved playing and coaching baseball. He coached a team in the Babe Ruth Baseball League for 14 years and took his team to the West Virginia State Championship.  Following politics, he continued to pursue public service and worked for the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program to help provide jobs to the long-term unemployed and summer jobs to low-income high school students.   He then worked for the Housing and Urban Development Authority where he oversaw the development of housing projects for the elderly and disadvantaged. 

Throughout his life Frank enjoyed giving new life to things that were old or outdated.  He liked woodworking and repairing old furniture and was able to utilize those hobbies in the field of real estate where he spent the last part of his career rehabilitating older properties and turning them into something new and desirable.  

Frank’s passions were Jo, with whom he loved touring wineries across the country and trout fishing (with a little bourbon).  While wine was something he always enjoyed, fly fishing was something he discovered later in life but quickly grew to love.   After fishing the Yadkin, New, and other rivers close to home he traveled to Montana where he became enthralled, if not obsessed, with the magnificence of the mountains, rivers, and wide open valleys.  He started traveling to Montana annually to fish and spend time with family, loved ones, and his ever expanding group of friends both new and old.  He designated himself “camp coordinator” and made everything as enjoyable as possible for everyone lucky enough to join him. Frank was able to take his two grandsons on his last fishing trip to Montana.  It was his ultimate goal and the boys made memories that will last their lifetimes.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2:00 PM on November 11, 2023, at the Pine Grove Methodist Church, Kernersville, NC with visitation at the church at 1:00 PM. Pastor Jim Prichard will officiate. His ashes will be taken to Montana for a final fishing trip on the river.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pine Grove Methodist Church, 1018 Pine Grove Road, Kernersville, NC, 27284 or Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.