Ernest Vinson

POWHATAN, Ark. – Ernest Leon Vinson, 78, of Powhatan, Ark., died Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at Jonesboro, Ark., after a short illness. He was employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., Sterling, before retiring.

Ernest was born Oct. 21, 1930, in Fisk, Mo., the son of Clifford and Viva (Wright) Vinson. He lived on Lake Charles, Ark., for 33 years. He married Peggy Diane Attebury. She preceded him in death. Ernest was a member of Black Rock Church of Christ, Black Rock, Ark.

Survivors include two daughters, Paula (Glenn) VanDerVliet of Sheldon, Iowa, and Pamela (Mike) Brown of Galt; one son, Ernest (Ro) Vinson Jr. of West Richland, Wash.; three sisters, Lurea Williams, Betty Morrison, and Donna Root; three brothers, Earl Vinson, Cloyce Vinson, and Carlos Vinson; six grandchildren, Lori (Kirk) Lovstad, Kathy (Steve) Swain, Adam (Jenny) VanDerVliet, Jarod (Kate) Brown, Jaramie Brown, and Ross Vinson; six great-grandchildren; and special nephew, Joel Griffith.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Fran Jones; and two brothers, Harold and James Vinson.

Private burial was at Powhatan Cemetery, Powhatan, Ark. Arrangements were completed by House-Gregg Funeral Home, Walnut Ridge, Ark.