Joe Vinson
TRAVERSE CITY – Clarence H. Joseph Vinson, age 72, of Traverse City, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at his home in the loving care of his family.
Joe was born to Clarence and Mimi (Bosner) Vinson on May 28, 1945 in Frankfort, MI. Just across the lake Joe grew up in Elberta, MI with his family. He graduated from Frankfort High School and immediately following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. After serving in Vietnam, Joe was honorably discharged from the military in 1966.
After his time in the military Joe went to broadcasting school in Chicago, IL and graduated that following year. In 1967 he moved to Petoskey where he landed a job working at a radio station, it was there he met Dorothy, and together they had three daughters. Not soon thereafter Joe was offered a job in Cheboygan at an appliance center, where he was then transferred to Alpena. Joe then found himself in Traverse City, where he came to work for the broadcasting station WCCW/WTCM.
In the mid 70s, Joe decided he would take his broadcasting experience and move to Sarasota, FL, where he built a radio station in the Venice area. In 1984, Joe decided he could no longer stand being away from his daughters back home in Traverse City. It was at that time he decided to pack up and move back home. It was not soon after Joe moved back that he met his partner of 33 years and recently married wife, Barbra Shield. Through the years Joe and Barb loved to dance, and walk their property on Fouch road with the dogs where they would pick berries, and mushroom hunt. Joe was a man of many talents and hobbies, if one thing is for certain it had to be Joe's way in his meticulous manner. He was known for his beautiful garden, and his delicious pies. He also loved to fish, boat, swim, and watching his favorite Detroit sports team. Joe had a love for animals, having three dogs, where he dearly missed his beagle, Sheva of 18 years.
Joe is survived by his wife, Barb, daughters; Jody (Paul) Scott, Christy (Bru) Haller, and Angel (Scott) Hindman, grandchildren; Tyler, Austin, Shelby, and Jack, and sisters; Nola and Neva. Joe is also survived by his long time friend, Andy, and his great neighbor and dear friend, Steve.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Wendell, and sister Marla.
Funeral services for Joe will take place at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 where a visitation will begin at 2:00 pm until the time of the service at 3:00 pm. The family asks that any memorial contributions be directed to the Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.