Carl L. Vinson, 69, made his transition from this earthly life on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born March 1, 1947 in Akron, OH to the late George W. Vinson, Sr. and Erma (Harris) Vinson. Carl graduated from Buchtel High School and studied Business Administration at the University of Akron.  He worked at Alside for 17 years and retired from First Energy. He was baptized and filled with the holy spirit in his youth at First Apostolic Faith Church. He remained a man of tremendous faith and truly believed in the power of prayer.  Carl was a motivator and was always there to provide wise counsel to the people close to him. He was often known to encourage his loved ones with phrases like "you may be down, but not defeated" and "nothing beats a failure but a try". In his leisure time, Carl enjoyed making things thrive.  He took great pride in his many plants and his yard,  Carl was extremely interested in computers, always finding something new to research or to try.  Some of his fondest memories were of spending time fishing with his grandson, Tariq, and attending his many football and basketball games. Carl was a very Afrocentric man and took great pride in both his heritage and knowing where his family came from.  This was evidenced in his collection of African art and elephants, which reflected his wisdom and strength. He married Pamela (Ford) Vinson, had two children Wednesday and Cari, and they remained friends throughout the years.  Carl is survived by his daughters Wednesday Vinson (Luis Scherer), Cari Vinson (George Jacobs), stepson Brandon Vinson, grandson Tariq Vinson, siblings Evelyn Davis, Geraldine "Jeri" Vinson, George W. Vinson, Jr. and Marilyn Vinson-Robinson, brothers-in-law Robert Brown and Levander Mebane, and a host of other relatives and many dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents George W. Vinson Sr. and Erma (Harris) Vinson, siblings Barbara Vinson Brown, Betty (Vinson) Mebane, Helen (Vinson) Lee and Buford Brown. Calling Hours will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2016 with his celebration of life immediately following at 12:00 p.m at First Apostolic Faith Church (790 Easter Ave, Akron, OH 44307) . Interment services to follow at Mount Peace Cemetery (183 Aqueduct St, Akron, OH 44303). Condolences may be sent to 880 Peerless Avenue, Akron, OH 44320.