Billy Joe Vinning

Billy Joe Vinning, 77, of Topeka, passed away Friday, December 10, 2010 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah, GA.

He was born June 22, 1933 in Millwood, GA, the son of Owen and Mary (Reiner) Vining, Sr. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1955 during the Korean War and the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1962.

He retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1992

Survivors include three sons, Thomas (Debbie)Vinning and Anthony (Lisa) Vinning both of Topeka and Daniel (Jeanita) Vinning of Kingsland, GA; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; three brothers, J.L. Vining, Hillard, FL, Jimmy Vining, Fernandina Beach, FL, Gene Vining, Valdosta, GA; four sisters, Thelma Vining, Jacksonville, FL, Virginia Stone, Douglas, GA, Mary Reliford, Willacoochee, GA, , Beth Bennett, Hahira, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Jo Ann Vinning, his significant other of 20 years, Darlene Ross, three brothers, Owen, Jr. "Bogey", LeVonne "Buddy", and infant J.V. Vining and two sisters, LaVerne Spivey and Gertrude Kirby.

Funeral ceremonies will be 1p.m., Friday, December 17, 2010 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS 66608. Military honors and interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Mr. Vinning will lie in state after 3 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m.