Mike W. Vinson

             Mike W. Vinson passed away July 29, 2025, after 83 years of showing the world what one of a kind really looks like.  Born January 2, 1942, in Columbia, South Carolina, to J. Frank and Bertha E. Vinson, he attended Eau Claire High School and the University of South Carolina, where he enjoyed learning but not so much the studying.

            In 1966, he married Diane H. Vinson.  After a year, he discovered marriage was not a one-year renewable contract, so he settled in, and miraculously they were together almost 59 years.  They had a daughter, Danielle Vinson, to whom he devoted a lifetime dispensing bits of wisdom, including, watch out for snakes, lock your doors and keep your gun handy, and stay out of the ocean (there are sharks, sting rays, jellyfish, etc.) unless your boat is floating away because you forgot to set the anchor, at which point, you should forget the dangers lurking below and jump in to get the boat.

            He worked at Allied Chemical as an industrial electrician for 35 years. A creative problem solver, he was an exceptional troubleshooter.  Apart from work, he enjoyed hunting, shark fishing, going to races, wine making, the Mt. Ebal Baptist Church Men’s Prayer Breakfast, and sitting on his porch watching the world go by.  Along the way, he collected good friends and excellent stories. 

            In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by his sisters Frances and Nancy Vinson, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and some very dear friends.

            The family would like to thank Lutheran Hospice, especially Toni Smith and Kathy Cooley, for their support during his final days.

            A memorial service will be held Tuesday, August 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Ebal Baptist Church in Batesburg, SC.  Visitation will follow at the church.

            In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Hospice (102 Fortress Dr. Chapin, SC 29036) or the Mt. Ebal Baptist Church Men’s Prayer Breakfast (5 Lion Loop, Batesburg, SC 29006). Arrangements are under the direction of Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic Batesburg-Leesville Chapel. 

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