William H. VINALL

POQUOSON - Col. (Ret) William H. Vinall, DDS, passed away at his home, 116 Freemoor Drive, Poquoson, Va., on Dec. 20, 2010, at the age of 81. He died peacefully, surrounded by his wife, Diane I. Teifke-Vinall; daughter, Juliruth Michael; grandchildren, Leah, Robert and Kara Michael; and his brother, Philip Vinall.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Goodwyn-Vinall.
Bill was born in Wheeling, W. Va., and graduated from Tridelphia High School. Afterwards he attended West Liberty College before going on to the University of Maryland where he graduated with distinction with a degree in dentistry. After leaving dental school, he entered the U.S. Army Dental Corps and served in a Medical Unit during the Korean War. Other tours of duty included Camp Darby, Italy; Fort Meyer, Va.; and the Berlin Brigade, Berlin, Germany. His last assignment was as Dental Commander at Fort Orr, Monterrey, Calif. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon. After serving 26 years as a dental officer, he retired in Poquoson, Va.
He was an avid golfer, boating enthusiast and he enjoyed spending time at his farm in the mountains of West Virginia. He traveled extensively with his wife, a flight attendant for United Airlines. His travels included trips to Tibet, Peru, China, and Russia. Bill was a loving grandfather, a great entertainer, and cherished the company of his large, extended family. He was loved by all who knew him and never lived a day with boredom nor without laughter.
A public memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, in the Regimental Chapel at Fort Eustis, Va. A reception will follow at the Fort Eustis Club on Base – directions will be provided. To get on Base without military ID, you will need a driver's license, auto registration, proof of auto insurance, and allow five extra minutes.
Interment, with full military honors, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in late January.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Heart Association or Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Online condolences to www.claytorrollins.com.
Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.