Darryl Martin Vinson, the youngest son of the late Willie Fred and Gladys
Vinson was born on May 27, 1955. He entered eternal rest on Sunday,
February 15, 2026.
Darryl attended Akron Public Schools and was a proud 1974 graduate of John
R. Buchtel High. Darryl, known for his infectious laugh, warm smile, and
twinkling eyes, was a kind soul with a sunny disposition.
Darryl loved his family, good food, and great music. He was a skillful dancer
and in the 70’s, performed with Howard Hewitt and others in a popular dance
troupe named The Caravan Soul Dancers. In his early adult life, he was a
masterful DJ. Throughout his life, he preferred the rhythmic beats and
instrumentation of 70’s/80’s R&B and Funk. He introduced many of his nieces
and nephews to the soulful sounds of The Ohio Players and George Clinton’s
Parliament/Funkadelics – two of his favorite bands.
He was very supportive in family activities, and his culinary skills were
appreciated by friends and family for decades. Darryl worked alongside his
sister, Lorraine, at many events where they catered and often fed several
hundred people. His formal culinary employment included well-known
establishments such as Edgar’s and CRAVE. He was known and respected by
many chefs in the region, including restaurateur, author, and TV personality
Michael Symon, well before Symon was a household name.
Darryl was lovingly called “Darryl Martin” by his sisters-in-law, and when
introduced, he was proud to let you know he was “the baby of the family”!
Darryl, the charming cook and resident Funkster, will be forever loved and
dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Fred and Gladys E. Vinson,
and his brothers, Ronald Vinson and Lawrence Vinson, Sr.
He is survived by brothers and sisters, Gerald (Elizabeth) Vinson, Lorraine
Woods, Matthew Vinson, Wayne Vinson, and Brenda (Jerome) Smith; a special
niece, Tonya King; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; special friends,
Steve Arrington and Gregory Franklin will also miss his presence.
Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Sommerville
Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Oh 44320.