Furman Eugene “Gene” Vinson, 81, of Dillard, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017.
He was born in Macon County, North Carolina, but lived most of his life in Dillard. He was the son of the late Thomas Furman Vinson and Jessie Maude Haynie. Gene met his wife, Frankie Jo Medley Vinson (April 1, 1938-Feb. 15, 2015), in Rabun County. They were married over 50 years.
Telling stories, square dancing, studying the history of warplanes and dealing in antiques were some of Gene’s passions. He loved to travel, but didn’t like being away from Dillard too long. He loved walking through Dillard saying “Hi” to everyone — he never knew a stranger. He was known for taking care of all the local cats. Gene spent many years as a deacon at the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church and loved being part of The Gideon’s International.
Gene is survived by his sister, Rebecca Vinson; two sons, Toby Vinson and his wife Kris, Joe Vinson and his wife Karen; seven grandchildren, Lauren Sanders (Ryan), Kellie Phillips (Seth Sofferin), Emily House (Morgan), Jonathan Phillips (Katelyn), Laura Vinson (Edward Denovellis), Lindsey Vinson and Harris Vinson; and four great-grandchildren, Avery, Liam, Kassie and Olivia.
He is preceded in death by his son, Timothy Vinson (Oct. 31, 1962-Dec. 15, 2016); sister, Joanne Tumidalsky, and brother, Timothy Vinson.
Funeral services will be held at the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church in Dillard at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 12. Internment will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church, PO Box 184, Dillard, Georgia 30537.
The Clayton Tribune, Aug. 10, 2017