Reverend William Charles Vinson, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 76. He was born on October 6, 1949, in Louisville, KY, to the late William Charles Vinson, Sr., and Norma Carrier Vinson.
Known affectionately by many as Bro. Billy, he was called into ministry many years ago and preached his first sermon at Ninth & O Baptist Church in Louisville. He later moved to the Huntsville, AL area, where he faithfully served as Chaplain for the Huntsville Police Department and the Downtown Rescue Mission for many years. Billy also served as Associate Pastor at Whitesburg Baptist Church for over 20 years, where he worked closely with inner-city outreach and the bus ministry.
He later became Pastor of Chapel of Grace in Huntsville before serving as Associate Pastor at Southside Baptist Church in Swainsboro, GA. Due to a cancer diagnosis, Billy retired from active ministry ten years ago, though his calling and faith never wavered.
Billy was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served with the 101st Airborne Division, a role he held with honor and gratitude throughout his life.
In addition to his ministry, Billy was a devoted family man who dearly loved his daughters and cherished his granddaughter. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and had a deep appreciation for nature; feeding birds, building birdhouses, and fishing brought him great peace. He was an avid knife and gun collector and was also a gifted singer and musician.
Billy’s life was defined by his faith and his family. Both were at the very center of who he was.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Cynthia Perkins Vinson; daughters, Michelle (Mike) White and Stephanie (Michael) Patton; granddaughter, Meghan (Derrick) Blakely; sister, Deborah (Gary) Reisinger of Charleston, IA; brothers, John (Gina) Vinson of Paynesville, KY, and Raymond Vinson of Louisville, IN.
In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his sister, Geraldine Bradley; and brothers, Michael and Gary Vinson.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home. A private burial will take place at Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Reverend William Charles Vinson.
