Sammie Vinson

Sammie Vinson, age 74, of Woodlawn, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, November 13, 2022. He was born November 22, 1947 to the late Eugene Vinson and Analene Jacks Vinson.

Sam graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1965. Following high school, he married his high school sweetheart Linda Spakes and started his family. He worked at Coca-Cola and then Cotton Belt (Union Pacific) Railroad for 35 Years and retired in 2003. He grew up in the Pansy community and enjoyed hunting with Herbine and Rowel Deer camps over the years. He attended church at Mount Olivet UMC in Calmer and was an active member, Sunday School teacher and served on several committees.

Sam was a proud supporter of Woodlawn school and community. He enjoyed following Woodlawn sports. He was a member of the first baseball team in 1965, which went on to win the District Championship and Inducted into the first class of Woodlawn Baseball Hall of Fame. He was an integral part of starting the football program and attended many games and enjoyed watching several members of his family as they grew up playing. He played basketball and baseball and supported those programs and softball attending games, following the teams, and ‘coaching’ quietly from the stands while his kids, grandkids and nieces and nephews played.

He also was a keen poker player and sat at the table of many a game with players from around the state.

Uncle Sam also was a generous man with both his time and money. He was somewhat of a financier for both family and friends when they had a need. For those who may still have balances in his ledger, consider your debt clear. He was never much good at collecting anyway.

He is survived by his wife Linda Vinson (Spakes) and children Mickie Nail (Ben) of Pine Bluff; Rhonda Vinson (Wes) of Byron, GA; and Daniel Vinson of Little Rock; Grandchildren Racheal McPherson (Blane) of Pine Bluff and Patrick Vinson of Pine Bluff and great granddaughter Ella Claire McPherson (Racheal). There are a host of nieces and nephews too numerous to list.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Danny Jacks or Hershel Qualls scholarship funds would be appreciated. To donate to Danny Jacks fund contact Rick Holderfield at 501-413-9066. To donate to Hershel Qualls scholarship fund contact Steve or Diane Boyd at 870-814-7115 or 870-814-8828.

Visitation will be Friday, November 18, 2022 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Buie Funeral Home in Rison.

Funeral Service will be Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Buie Funeral Home in Rison. There will be a meal for family and friends on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olivet UMC Calmer.

Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216. 

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