JOHNNY LEE VINCENT October 18, 1940 – October 5, 2014 Johnny Lee Vincent, 73 years of age, passed away at 8am on Sunday, October 5, 2014 in Queen City, Missouri. He lived in Greentop, Missouri, and died of natural causes. Visitation: 5pm - 10/7/2014 Dooley Funeral Home - Queen City, MO 5 Service: 10am - 10/8/2014 Sally Mountain Park – Queen City, MO Johnny Lee Vincent was born into the musical Vincent Family on October 18, 1940 in Button Ridge, Missouri; the fourth and youngest child of Bill & Erma Vincent. Johnny began singing at an early age, soon picked up the guitar, and eventually mastered many stringed instruments. He grew up performing with his Uncle Dave, Uncle George, and Father Bill. The Vincent family made their first recording when Johnny was in his young teens, where he sang Your Cheatin’ Heart. He attended school in Jim Town, Missouri. At the age of 16, Johnny started working at the Shoe Factory in Kirksville, MO. On May 29, 1961, he married Carolyn Christine Thompson. They lived in Greentop, MO. Their first child was born on Friday, July 13, 1962. A daughter they named Rhonda Lea Vincent. On October 6, 1964, Johnny was critically injured in a car accident near Worthington, MO, which left him paralyzed. He regained partial mobility, and walked with a cane until recent years. Music became even more of a focus after his wreck. There was a music party almost every night at the Greentop residence, which drew a multitude of musicians who loved joining in the nightly jam session. The family secured a local TV Show on KTVO Television and a weekly radio show on KIRX Radio 1450 AM, which included many musician friends, and they named themselves The Sally Mountain Show. The Sally Mountain Show played many local shows. It consisted of Johnny, Carolyn, & 5 year old Rhonda Vincent; father Bill Vincent; brother Pearl Vincent and his wife Kathryn, and their sons Ricky and Joe, along with friends Boyd Halford, Phil Baker, Jack Herrin, Paul VanMeter, and Al White. On December 27, 1969, a son was born, Darrin Lee Vincent. Johnny, unable to work, spent most days with his father; hunting, fishing, and making music. His father passed away on April 18, 1972, and this changed the face of The Sally Mountain Show, and the band became his immediate family with Carolyn and Rhonda. They performed as The Sally Mountain Trio until Darrin was old enough to join the band. Darrin quickly became proficient on many instruments, and learned the signature harmony vocals his father is known for. On January 25, 1974, another son was born, Brian Alan Vincent. Quickly, Brian learned to sing and play, and joined the family band. His incredible voice reminiscent of Bobby Osborne; the group Johnny patterned the family style from. After attending several bluegrass festivals, Johnny discovered he could make a living performing with his family as The Sally Mountain Show, and keep his family close. The Sally Mountain Show grew in popularity, and gained national attention in 1981; when they were picked up by The Lancer Agency out of Nashville, Tennessee. Johnny and his family toured the world, performing their special brand of bluegrass music. He was known for his unique banjo style along with his smooth vocals. In 1986, Johnny bought 63 acres in Queen City, Missouri and made one of his greatest dreams come true by hosting his very own bluegrass festival at Sally Mountain Park. The festival has continued for 28 years, and lovers of the music travel from around the world to experience the down home hospitality of the family festival. As a young boy, he loved to play baseball. Always loved the outdoors, hunting, shooting, fishing, checkers, playing pitch, and talking to his CB Buddies. In recent years Johnny and Carolyn enjoyed their eight grandchildren, and he had very special friends that volunteered their time to help at the festival, and keep him company when he was unable to get out and about. Johnny is survived by his wife Carolyn Vincent, daughter Rhonda Vincent Sandker and husband Herb; son Darrin & Julie Vincent, son Brian & Hilary Vincent, sister Irene Armstrong, brothers, Forrest (Skinny) Vincent , Pearl Vincent, and sister-in-law Charlene Lawson, along with several nieces and nephews. Eight Grandchildren: Sally Berry, Tensel Burke, Zachary, Victoria, Chandler Vincent, Lily, Kaitlyn, Harrison Vincent. Preceded in death by his parents Bill & Erma Vincent, granddaughter Brooke Sandker, sister-in-law Faye Thompson, in-laws Charlie & Helen Thompson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation bluegrassheritage.org Bluegrass Heritage Foundation P. O. Box 25032 Dallas Texas 75225 Phone - 214-918-0010 The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation Play It Forward! Instrument Lending Program promotes musical understanding and performance skills in deserving young people (ages 8-21) by providing free loans of bluegrass musical instruments such as mandolins, fiddles, banjos, dobros, and guitars as well as music camp scholarships and other support. Were going to miss you Dad. Darrin
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 03:13:56 +0000
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