John Andrew Vincent

John Andrew Vincent, lovingly known to all as “Big John,” passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, Texas, at the age of 73.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Church on the Rock on Highway 164 North in Groesbeck, with his sister, Reverend Donna Vincent Huie, officiating. Burial will follow at Big Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Hunter Vincent, Gage Vincent, Braden Ramirez, Brandon Bonner, Chris Bonner, John Ranochak, Catlin Samuels, and Jace Vincent. Honorary pallbearers include Billy Cochran, Pat Samuels, Randy Slater, and Ricky Nelson.

John was born on October 27, 1951, in Mt. Ida, Arkansas, to Andrew Zachariah Vincent and Eloise Emmaline (McKay) Vincent. The youngest of nine siblings, John grew up in Oden, Arkansas, and graduated from Oden High School in 1971. He shared a special bond with his siblings, especially Lis—who was a second mother to him and one amazing cook—and Lonnie, his closest companion in both mischief and brotherhood (though John always insisted he didn’t strike the match that burned down the barn).

John welcomed his daughter Jessica in 1972. John met Debby Shropshire, a college basketball player in Henderson, Arkansas when they went on a blind first date with their two best friends. John and Debby fell hard for each other and were married on October 7, 1976, in Pencil Bluff, AR. They made their home in Oden, where their first son, James, was born.

In 1980, they moved to Groesbeck, Texas, to open the Vincent Personal Care Home near Debby’s family. There they welcomed their second son, Jason, and twin daughters, Sabrina and Misty—bringing life and laughter into the home John helped build with his father-in-law, Grady. He treasured making his way back home to Arkansas every chance he got to see his mother, his eldest daughter and the rest of his family.

John wore many hats over the years. He worked for the Highway Department, served as a Reserve Deputy for the Sheriff’s Office, and later worked for the cities of Groesbeck and Mexia before becoming a full-time truck driver. At the time of his passing, he was proudly employed with Bonner Services in Franklin, still running errands, cracking jokes, and keeping the guys in the shop in line. The entire Bonner family quickly became an extension of his own family.

John’s life was full of the outdoors and hands-on work. He loved hunting squirrels and rabbits in his youth, and later, coon hunting with his sons and their dogs. Fishing was a family affair—he enjoyed having the boys bring home their catch so Debby could fry it up for him. He raised cattle, loved feeding them from the back of his mule, and took pride in maintaining his land. Thursdays were for livestock auctions in Groesbeck and Saturdays in Buffalo. Friday nights, you’d find him at Billy B’s at his favorite table, often bringing fried shrimp home to Debby.

He had a deep love for sports—especially college basketball, football, and softball—and spent many evenings watching games with his wife. He enjoyed watching old Westerns and listening to traditional country hymns and country classics. But nothing made him prouder than his grandchildren. He attended their games and events, no matter how tired he was, and loved them with his whole heart. He was so proud of their talents and accomplishments.

John had a warm, magnetic personality and never met a stranger. He had a playful smile—especially in photos, where he often grinned so big his eyes were closed. That smile will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

He loved Debby with a deep, enduring devotion. Each evening brought John driving up the circle drive with a loud honk from his truck to warn her he had made it home. He often told his daughters that if they grew up to be half the woman their mother was, they’d be just fine. John cherished his family fiercely, and they stood by each other through every challenge—including countless hospital stays, always together, always supportive.

John was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Grady and Iliene Shropshire; great-granddaughter Abigail Ellis; niece Tricia Vincent; nephew Tony and many of his beloved siblings: Charles Harold Vincent, Rachel Ruth Vincent Oswald and husband Nolan, Betty Jean Vincent Luster and husband George Luster, Caroll Harold Vincent, Agnes Elisabeth Vincent Yandell and husband William Franklin, Mary Rebecah Vincent Mabry and husband Dwight, and Lonnie James Vincent and wife Patricia Ann.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Debby Vincent; his children and their spouses: Jessica and Rick Nelson, James and Eva Vincent, Jason Vincent and girlfriend Samantha Mobley, Sabrina and Randy Slater, and Misty and Patrick Samuels.

John leaves behind a legacy of love in his grandchildren: Preston Ellis, Shane Ellis, Hunter Vincent, Aubrey White, Rainy Samuels, Braden Ramirez, Gage Vincent, Hannah Slater, Rian Samuels, Emily Vincent, Kimber Slater, Teagan Slater, Jace Vincent, Catlin and Jasmine Samuels, and Cassie and Trace Shirley.

His great-grandchildren include Easton, Kinzlee, and Baylor Shirley, Emberlyn and Mason Samuels, Ryder Ellis and Zayriah Ellis.

He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Donna Jannette Vincent Huie and Richard Huie; sisters-in-law, Janette Bull and Kathy Vincent; Dwane and Janet Shropshire; Robert “Bobby” and Cynthia Shropshire; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him deeply.

John Vincent was a larger-than-life figure—strong in spirit, quick to laugh, generous to a fault, and fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unforgettable stories. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.