John Roy "Junior" "J.R." Vinyard's Obituary
SERVICES- 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 30, 2015 in the First United Methodist Church in Shamrock with Rev. Jarrod Neal, officiating.
INTERMENT- with Military Honors will be in Shamrock Cemetery in Shamrock.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Shamrock.
John Roy Vinyard (Junior/J.R.) was born on January 15, 1930 at his home in Shamrock Texas to Arthur Lamar and Minnie Bell Rose Vinyard. He attended Shamrock schools and was a member of the class of 1948. He worked with his father doing carpentry and cement work and as a truck driver for the Shamrock dairy. In February 1951 Junior was drafted into the United States Army and reported to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, attended basic training in Camp Rucker, Alabama, and was deployed to Korea in September with the second battalion 136th Infantry. Corporal Junior Vinyard was honorably discharged in November 1952 and served in the Army Reserves for five years. During his tour he was awarded the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, UN Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
J.R. married Wanda Jean Anderson of Kelton on May 29, 1954 and shared 60 years of life together. They had three children Gary, Ray, and Amy. He worked for Shamrock Oil & Gas in Dumas for 10 years before returning home in 1964 to start Vinyard's Water Service with his brother Durwood. Later he would go into business for himself opening J.R. Vinyard Trucking and Wrecker Service. He enjoyed helping others, going to auctions, and to wheel-and-deal. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and in his youth enjoyed singing hymns on Sunday's with his twin sister. He had an amazing voice and a passion for music. Junior was very hard working and a man of his word. His family and friends meant the world to him. He enjoyed the outdoors- camping, hunting, and waterskiing. He took pride in celebrating St. Patrick's Day acting as a Chief Fuzzer and pulling the Bare Face jail through the parade. He was a wonderful husband, the best father, and a hero for a Papa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Wanda, two sons Gary Wayne and Raymond Wesley, three brothers Durwood, Doris, and Wilton, two sisters Dorothy and Ruth Vinyard.
He is survived by:
Daughter- Amy Torisk and husband Tracy of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX.
Twin sister- Jenel Franks Jones of Farmington, NM.
Sister-in-law- Winnie Faye Vinyard of Shamrock, TX.
Grandchildren- Shannon Vinyard and wife Jennifer of Amarillo, TX.
Gered Vinyard and wife Sonya of Union, MO.
Derek Vinyard of Union, MO.
Taylor Torisk of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX.
Austin Torisk of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX.
Great grandchildren- Cailey, Cody, Scotty, Ian, and Twins Liam and Logan Vinyard.
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be sent to: Gary & Ray Vinyard Scholarship Fund c/o Aim Bank.
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