Charles Ray (Jr.) Vinson

Mr. Charles Ray Vinson, Jr., age 65, beloved husband of Connie Rice Vinson of Buffalo West Springs Hwy., passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

Mr. Vinson was born in Union, October 20, 1959, a son of the late Charles Ray Vinson, Sr. and Mary West Vinson. He was a 1977 graduate of Jonesville High School and was the owner and operator of Upstate Forklifts, Inc, and Vinson Vehicles. He was a lifelong member of Bogansville Methodist Church, where he served on several committees. He was often referred to as "The Mayor of West Springs" because of his loving involvement in projects and fundraisers. Ray had a love for life like no other. A car enthusiast, Ray also enjoyed playing golf, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his friends and family at the beach. One of his greatest joys was his special great nephew Wyatt and great niece Delilah, who were more like his grandchildren. Ray had a bigger than life personality and was a friend to many.

Ray is survived by his wife Connie, who he adored for 34 years. Also surviving are a brother, Eddie Vinson and wife Lori and their family; sisters-in-law, Anita Rice (Wesley Gentry), Susan Barnes and Elsie Decker; nieces, Lacie Yarbrough (Justin), Jenna Vaughan (Brian) and Lauren Wray; a nephew, James Malpass; great nieces and nephews, Wyatt, Henry, Ben, Delilah Grace, Sawyer and Anna Claire. He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Billy Rice.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Bogansville Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Ed Traxler. Visitation will be held prior to the services from 1:00 until 2:45PM at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Jeff Lawson, Ivory Smith, Mark Lawson, Brian Davis, Rob Anglin, Frank Lancaster, Mike Graham and Russ Sanders. Ray had so many wonderful friends, it would be impossible to name honorary pallbearers.

To celebrate Ray's life and deep and abiding love of the West Springs community, the family requests donations to fulfill Ray's wish to build a West Springs Community welcome sign. Contributions may be sent to Joan Stevens, 5021 Buffalo-West Springs Hwy., Pauline, SC 29374.