In Memoriam

Herman Conley Vinson

OCTOBER 21, 1931 – AUGUST 4, 2021

Herman was born on October 21, 1931, to the late Turner and Elizabeth Conley Vinson. He married Mary Valeria Shearon on August 19, 1962. Herman attended East Carolina University, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree. He loved his country, serving in the US Army following graduation from college. As a member of the faculty of Clayton High School, he taught history and served as a Guidance Counselor for more than 5,000 graduates during his 31-year career. He enjoyed years of Comet football games from the stands and the gate. Herman was a member of the American Legion Leonard Moore Post 71 in Clayton and an active leader in the First Baptist Church in Clayton. He was always known as a gentleman who adored and was devoted to his wife, Val. Val and Herman enjoyed 59 years of marriage.

Herman was a pillar in the Clayton community and was referred to as a living Clayton Almanac; anything you wanted to know about Clayton, Herman could tell you. Herman was a member of the Clayton Rotary Club family for 45 years, having been inducted on March 1, 1976. He was Club President during Rotary Year 1985-1986 and served as Club Treasurer for many years. Herman was a Paul Harris Fellow and a very active Rotarian.

Herman passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at age 89. He is always remembered fondly by everyone who met him and is missed.