Tom Vinson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

St. John's link to view Tom's service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY5EBW49hKg Mr. James Thomas “Tom” Vinson passed away at his home on the evening of July 5th, 2021. Born in Clayton, GA, Tom was the son of Catherine Patterson Taylor and the late Hoyt Vinson, along with his stepfather, Walter Taylor. He graduated from Western Carolina and promptly began his career with Belk Department stores. His career with Belk would span 39 years and take him all over the Carolinas. Most notably, his work with Belk would introduce him to his wife Karen. Tom was an active member at St. John’s United Methodist Church, where he was known for his servant’s heart. He freely volunteered his time to spread God’s word and help with community outreach. Tom also taught Sunday School for 17 years. His lessons were always heartfelt and genuine—so much so that his early morning coffee crew at the Peach Stand referred to him as their “chaplain.” Tom was a beloved husband, son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, father-in-law, and “Pops” to his grandchildren. After God and his family, his other great loves were the mountains and the North Carolina Tarheels. A Tarheel through and through, Tom was always willing to share a great story or two about their renowned basketball program. Don’t worry, if you pulled for NC State, he still loved you. If you pulled for Duke, he prayed for you. Surviving is his wife, Karen Vinson; mother, Catherine Taylor; daughter Elizabeth Baker (Michael) of Rock Hill and his niece, Wendy Hardaway (Billy) of Lebanon, TN whom he helped raise; his sisters Margaret Bryson of Fort Mill, Sandy Vinson of Highlands, NC, Dianne Taylor of Asheville, NC, and Melinda Musumarra (Paul) of Black Mountain, NC; and two grandchildren Madeline and Harrison Baker. He is also survived and loved by many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 130 Tom Hall Street, Fort Mill, SC at 11:00 on Friday, July 9, 2021, with Rev. Karen H. Radcliffe officiating. Tom was a supporter of the St. John’s UMC Youth program. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St John’s UMC for The Youth Zone, PO Box 1298, Fort Mill, SC 29716.

Tom Vinson

July 5, 2021