JIMMY RAY VINSON, 71, of Ranger, TX passed away July 2,
2011 after a very brave battle with lung cancer, with
burial in Merriman Cemetery, south of Ranger. Jimmy was
baptized in Colony Creek and became a member of Merriman
Baptist Church while a young boy.
Jimmy was born on Dec. 18, 1939 in Ranger, TX to Jim
& Laverne (Keener) Vinson, who both preceded him in
death. He attended Ranger High School in the Class
of 1958.
Jimmy had a passion for trains all his life. When he
was a young boy, his father worked for the railroad
and as a result, Jimmy knew most of the train engineers.
When they made their runs between Ranger and Strawn,
they would “sneak” him onto the train and let him ride
down the hill to Strawn and drop him off when they
returned to Ranger. As an adult, he left his profession
in the oil and gas industry for a short time just so
that he could accept a job driving a train.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife,
Sandra of Ranger, two daughters, Nancy Vinson (RHS-1978)
of Ranger and Laney Baker of Abilene; one son, James
L. "Bubba" Vinson (RHS-1979) of Ranger; stepdaughter
JoAnne Wilson and husband Glen of Mineral Wells; stepson
Joe Merritt of Mineral Wells; 4 sisters – Merlene Clark
and husband Jerry of Midland, TX; Betty Green (RHS-1960)
and husband Bobby of Cisco, TX; Frankie Leggett (RHS-
1962) and husband Jim of Converse, LA; Dolores Britt
and husband Jerry Don of Midland, TX and numerous
nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Katie Rae, Jonny,
T.J., Will, James, Rachel and Madison as well as 2 great–
grandchildren Kaitlyn and Colton and one on the way – who
will be named Jimmy Ray – to be known as J.R.
Jimmy was a beloved father and his children had a great
respect and love for him. You live in all of us. Every time
we hear a train whistle blow, we will remember and think
of you always.