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.
Nettie and I are so sorry to hear of Bro Billy passing. He was a great friend. Praying for Cindy and family.
Cathy and I were so sorry to hear about Brother Billy – he was a good friend and I enjoyed every time we could be together. Cindy, we are praying for you and the family – please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Spent many hours working with Billy and Cindy in the Bus Ministry at Ninth and O Baptist Church in Louisville Ky. It was a pleasure to know them and witness them serving the Lord..
Uncle Billy always made sure to come by and see me when I was a child each time he visited Louisville. I enjoyed our talks we had about faith, our love for the Lord and family. My Uncle was an inspiration to me as a child and as he enters the kingdom of our gracious King Jesus. He will be missed and surely never forgotten. I love you Uncle Billy. As eternity is now your destination the journey has ended now you can worship our King in his Heavenly Realm.
Billy and I grew up together from teenage years . He was a distant cousin his dad and my mom were first cousins. We soon became like brothers. I was so proud of the man he became a man of God .
The best friend a man could ever want, we spent a many years in a Huntsville Police car working together, Billy played a major role in leading me to accept Jesus as my Lord & Savior. He has spent hours on the phone with me since my wife passed away just weeks ago. You truly will be missed, I love ya brother, Fly High
We are mourning & Heaven is celebrating; we’ve lost a great one. My Mom & Dad welcomed him home.