Virgil Samuel Vinyard, born on July 22nd, 1944 left this world he called home on June 13th, 2020 at 1:43 a.m. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents Roy Everett Vinyard, Sr. and Myrtle Vinyard, an infant sister named Bonnie, his great-niece Andrea, his great-nephew Drew and his in-laws Alfred Lee Schell and Hettie Schell. Virgil leaves behind his wife, brothers Roy and Lloyd, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
At the age of 17, Virgil joined the US Navy and served on the U.S.S. Raton Submarine. During his time in the military, he traveled the world, learned valuable skills, and developed lifelong relationships. Virgil was a proud member of the American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake, Florida, the “Largest Post in the World”.
In 1967, Virgil married the love of his life, Mary Ann (Schell). These two lovebirds enjoyed an amazing 52 years together and shared countless memories. Virgil became a father on January 5th, 1970 when Mary gave birth to their daughter, Sheila Ann. Three years later, on July 22nd, 1973, he celebrated his 29th birthday with the birth of their son, William Joseph. Together, Mary and Virgil’s love grew even stronger as they experienced the joy of raising their family in Kansas City, Missouri.
In 1995, their daughter, Sheila Ann, married Fielden Webster and together had two daughters of their own, Breanna Lee and McKenna Leeann. On July 27, 1996, with the birth of his first grandchild, Breanna, Virgil was then known by all his family as Poppie. Sheila is a highly respected National Board-Certified school teacher who has earned her Masters in Special Education and an Educational Specialist in Administration. She and her family live in Parkville, Missouri.
In 1999, their son, William Joseph, married Gina Marie Marx and together had a daughter, Brooke Bailey, and a son, Dakota Riley. William completed his medical degree and three surgical fellowships. He has his own Plastic Surgery practice, Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery, in Jupiter, Florida.
After raising their children, Virgil and Mary (AKA Virg-N-Mary) moved to The Villages, Florida to enjoy their retirement together. Virgil spent his last 4 years living his life to the fullest. Together they learned how to play golf, bocce ball, pickleball, water volleyball, and shuffleboard to name a few. Virgil and Mary attended numerous events while at the Villages and developed many new friendships. Virgil was always the life of the party and was there to share his kindness and possessions with everyone. He never met a stranger and was known to give the best hugs in the world.
Virgil was an honest, extremely considerate, generous, and thoughtful man, with great integrity who truly spent his life keeping others happy. The world has lost a one-of-a-kind husband, father, Poppie, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend but Heaven has gained a wonderful man that will truly be missed.
