Dennis Vinson

Dennis L. Vinson, 63, of Cape Girardeau, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born Sept. 28, 1956 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to Lee Artis and Willie Butts Vinson.

Dennis met the love of his life and his soul mate, Joy Sykes in April 1988, and they were married Nov. 3, 1990 in New Jersey. Dennis and Joy relocated to Georgia and started their family.

Dennis was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and most importantly a child of God. He was also a proud and dedicated member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. His family was everything. Most people saw Dennis as a serious business man, but he had such an infectious sense of humor. He could make you laugh until you cried. He always put family first and would always rearrange his busy schedule to support his family's events, big or small.

Dennis came from humble beginnings and never forgot where he came from. He thanked the Lord daily for all he had and knew with God, all things were possible. Dennis was a leader, a visionary and was always working to better himself and the community he lived in. Dennis had a big heart, and giving back to others was his passion.

Dennis was founder, president and CEO of Signature Packaging & Paper. He started his business in 2003 in Georgia and relocated to Jackson in 2006. He was former chairman of the Missouri State Chamber, active and served on the board of directors for both the Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers, member of the Southeast Missouri State Board of Regents, SoutheastHEALTH System Board of Directors, Missouri Governor's Economic Steering Committee, The Bank of Missouri Advisory Board and the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Missouri. Dennis was named one of 2018 Delux Power 100. Dennis had a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's degree in business administration.

Loving survivors include his wife, Joy of Cape Girardeau; children, Crystal (Cantrell Andrews) Vinson, Chelsea Vinson and Dennis L. Vinson II and granddaughter, Kaiyah Joy Vinson, all of Cape Girardeau; siblings, Ruby Terrell, Leon (Charlene) Vinson, Charessa Scott, Toby (Richard) Hemingway, Owens Vinson, Vickie Vinson, Bonita (Mark) Grey; nieces and nephews, Kendrick, Kyle, Tiffany, Shaunte, Richard II, Mark II, Jaier, Brittany, Ashlee, Jarrett and Timothy; godchildren, Richard II, Ajiana Hope, Ajinae Faith, Krystal, Aubrey Neal and Jazlyn Mackins; numerous great nieces and nephews; and a host of in-laws and other friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Jaworski Terrell; brother-in-law, Eugene Scott; and father-in-law, James Sykes.

Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 14 at Lynwood Baptist Church, 2935 Lynwood Hills Drive, Cape Girardeau.

Homegoing celebration will follow at 11 a.m. Dec. 14 at the church. with Pastor CJ Jackson officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Honorable Young Men's Club (not-for-profit 501C3), c/o Alliance Bank 217 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.