Fred Newton Vinson

Fred Newton Vinson drew his last breath at 99 years of age on January 1, 2016, just 10 short days after his wife passed away. His life spanned a century from 1916 to 2016. It was clear he missed his beautiful wife after more than 75 years together and went to be with his true love in heaven.

Fred Vinson was an extraordinary individual and led a classic American life. In many ways, the tale of Fred Vinson is a complete representation of the American experience in the 20th Century. He was born on August 23, 1916 in rural Emhouse, Texas to Omer Kennel and Lois Mount Vinson. The eldest son of two schoolteachers, Fred was lucky to have a happy childhood during the time of World War I and the Great Depression. In his teenage years he spent summers working and playing baseball in the oil fields. He was valedictorian when he graduated from Navarro High School and entered Baylor University at age 16. He played football for one year and lettered in baseball and basketball. He started as part of the Varsity Baseball team, was All Southwest Conference as an Outfielder, and was one of the oldest living Baylor lettermen, perhaps the oldest. He remained a loyal Baylor fan his entire life, even reciting accurate statistics old and new until his last days, culminating with the Russell Athletic Bowl, which he watched together with his son at home.

On his birthday after graduation from Baylor in 1937, he began working at Wm. Cameron & Co. (which later became CertainTeed Corporation). He rose through the company ranks, working in the mill, in the office, as city salesman in San Antonio, and later as market development manager with extensive travel opportunities. He used his natural sense of humor and the strategic deployment of a golf game to solidify relationships throughout the country and keep his customers loyal. Fred was a company man through and through, working for the same firm his entire career for 41 years, the last 10 of which he was president. He retired in 1978. He had been President of Ideal Company and Cameron CertainTeed Corporation; President of the National Woodwork Manufacturers Association in Chicago; Treasurer, Vice President and President of the Baylor Letterman's "B" Association; Member of the Board of Directors of the Ponderosa Pine Woodwork Association in Chicago, National Building Materials Distribution Center, Texas Manufacturers Association, Waco Chamber of Commerce, Ridgewood Country Club, Baylor Alumni Association, Austin Avenue United Methodist Church, and numerous other associations and organizations.

In World War II, Fred served his country in the United States Navy a Lieutenant Senior Grade Squadron Gunnery Officer aboard a destroyer - the USS John Rodgers (DD574), which was apart of the Desron 25. During his service he saw many battles in the Pacific, and afterwards remained close with his shipmates and fellow officers. Fred was proud to serve his country and earned 12 battle stars for battles in 12 different territories, including the largest Naval battle in world history the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Following the war he was a mason and a member of the Waco Masonic Lodge, No. 92, A.F. & A.M. in Waco. He is also featured in the USS John Rodgers DD574 exhibit at the Admiral Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas.

In the fall of 1939, Fred met and started dating Martha "Billie" Grentzenberg and on February 8, 1941, he proudly married the love of his life in a beautiful chapel in San Antonio. Fred shared a marriage of love and devotion for nearly 75 years with Billie, and that marriage is the foundation and inspiration for generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Their love for one another was completely obvious in its truest form, and the legacy of love they left for their family will be forever cherished. The two were true soul mates, evident by the fact that Fred could not live without Billie, and their sweet love story is one that will never be forgotten.

Billie and Fred had three children together, Fred Newton, Junior, Martha Janice, and Sara Evelyn, all born in San Antonio. Billie and Fred lived in San Antonio for 18 years until 1957 when they moved to Waco, where they remained. While in San Antonio, Fred was a member of Willow Springs Golf Club where he was Club Champion and had a golf handicap of plus two. In Waco, he and his family were members of Austin Avenue United Methodist Church for many years. Upon retirement, Fred spent time at Ridgewood Country Club, playing golf and enjoying friends and family. He loved to tell stories, watch sports, and play Gin Rummy with his wife. Likewise, his friends and family loved listening to his interesting and compelling stories, which never faltered or changed, due to his sharp mind. Billie and Fred were both animal lovers and were always sweet to their pets. His infectious laugh, great smile and vibrant personality never faded and were always appreciated. Through his life, Fred and his wife, Billie, taught those around them what it meant to be decent, honest, and humble human beings. He never had anything negative to say about anyone, and if he did, he was such a gentleman that he never let his family know it. Family members have described Fred as a hero, a role model, and as one of their favorite people. He impacted the lives of many and will never be forgotten. His family could not be prouder of him and his wife, and are sorely saddened by their passing. His incredible life will continue to impact his family and he will be dearly missed.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Martha "Billie" Vinson, his brother, Omer K. Vinson, and daughter-in-law, Carole Vinson. Those left to cherish his memory include his three children; his son, Fred Newton Vinson, Jr. of Dallas; his daughter, Janice Vinson Davis and husband John of Waco; and his daughter, Sara Vinson Mull and husband Randy of Waco. His nine grandchildren include Lacey Vinson Wells and husband Gary of Double Oak, Texas; Jack Davis and wife Caroline of Portland, Oregon; Shannon Vinson Garrett and husband Paul of Carrollton; Fred Davis of New York, New York; Brooke Davis Simpson and husband Kevin of Buda, Texas; Meredith Mull Aggarwal and husband Ekansh of Bangalore, India; Lindsey Mull Newton and husband Josiah of Memphis, Tennessee; Rebecca Mull Janes and husband Daniel of Houston; and Ryan Mull of Austin. His seven great-grandchildren include Reece, Holly Ann and Walker Wells, Tucker and Kendall Davis, and Gwyneth and Fortlage Newton. His brother, John Milton Vinson, and wife JoAnn of Houston and other dear family members will miss him as well.

As per his wishes, there will be no formal viewing or memorial service conducted in his memory. Each family member will celebrate Fred's life in a manner of their own choosing. Please remember Fred in your own special way.

In lieu of flowers, Fred had asked that memorials be given to the Methodist Children's Home, 111 Herring Ave. Waco, TX 76708.