Love you Rhonda.
OBITUARY: Johnny Lee Vincent was born into the musical Vincent Family on October 18, 1940 in Button Ridge, Missouri; the youngest child of Bill & Erma Vincent. Johnny began singing at an early age, soon picked up the guitar, and eventually mastered many stringed instruments. 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, and started working at the Shoe Factory in Kirksville, MO at 16.
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 with many musicians. The family performed each week on KTVO TV and KIRX 1450 AM Radio, calling themselves The Sally Mountain Show. They played local shows, and the band consisted of Johnny, Carolyn, 5 year-old Rhonda, father Bill Vincent, brother Pearl Vincent and his wife Kathryn, and their sons Ricky and Joe, along with friends.
On December 27, 1969, a son was born, Darrin Lee Vincent.
Johnny spent most days with his father; hunting, fishing, and making music. His father passed away on April 18, 1972, changing the face of The Sally Mountain Show - the band became his immediate family: 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.
Brian quickly learned to sing and play and joined the family band. His incredible voice was reminiscent of Bobby Osborne; the group Johnny patterned the family style from. After attending several bluegrass festivals, Johnny discovered that he could make a living performing with his family, keeping his family close.
The Sally Mountain Show grew in popularity, gaining 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 enjoyed playing baseball. He loved the outdoors, hunting, shooting, fishing, checkers, and talking to his CB Buddies. In recent years Johnny and Carolyn enjoyed their eight grandchildren. He had very special friends that volunteered their time to help at the festival, keeping 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.
Service: 10am on 10/8/2014 Sally Mountain Park
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation www.bluegrassheritage.org
