Billie Ray Vinson, 69, a resident of Wappapello, died on his birthday Jan. 5 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.  He was born Jan. 5, 1949 in Cape Girardeau to the late Samuel Oliver and Ann Helen (Luber) Vinson.  A resident of this area most of his life, he had attended Catholic Elementary and then public schools in Sikeston; he then attended SEMO and Missouri University where he earned BS Degrees in Speech Therapy and Electrical Engineering.  He then served 2 tours in Viet Nam  as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army and received 2 Purple Hearts.  After his service he was an electrical engineer at McDonnell-Douglas and later co-owned and operated Vinson Wrecker Service with his brother; and he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  On April 10, 2005 he was married to Christi Young in Sikeston and she survives of the home with their daughter, Ashlee Reann Vinson.  Two older sons, Michael and Scott, also survive and are serving in the U.S military.  Also surviving are 1 brother, Garry Vinson of Farmington and 1 sister, Patricia whose address is unknown.  2 twin-sisters also preceded him in death.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 9 am until time for services at 10:30 am at Blanchard Funeral Chapel.  Rev. Matthew Butrum, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church at St. Mary will officiate.  Burial will follow with full military honors at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at blanchardfuneral.com.