Royce Vincent
Charles Royce Vincent, born on July 11, 1943, in Brownsville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service to his family, his community, and the agricultural heritage he cherished so deeply.
Royce was the eldest of three siblings born to Charles Hobert and Opal Vincent. He graduated from Edmonson County High School and attended Western Kentucky State College, where he pursued his passion for agriculture before embarking on a career with International Harvester in Louisville. It was during a weekend gathering in Brownsville that he reconnected with a former high school classmate, Dorthene “Dot” Johnson Vincent. The two were married in September of the following year, beginning a beautiful life together. The couple settled in Louisville, where they welcomed their first son, Gregory Royce. As their family grew, they purchased a farm back in Edmonson County, where they soon welcomed Stacy and Hillary. Royce and Dot raised their three children in a warm and loving home, instilling in them the values of hard work and family. When the factory relocated to Wisconsin, Royce accepted a welding position at Mammoth Cave National Park, where he dedicated many years before retiring.
In retirement, Royce and Dot devoted their time to family, travel, church, and community service. Royce believed deeply in giving back to the community that had given so much to him. His love for agriculture and his desire to see his community prosper led him to a lifetime of leadership and service. He was a founding member and president of the Edmonson County Cattlemen’s Association, where he helped guide the organization through years of growth and increased membership. He also served as a past board member of Kentucky Farm Bureau and the University of Kentucky Agriculture Extension, lending his knowledge, experience, and steadfast commitment to the agricultural community. His dedication to the cattle industry and the people who depended upon it culminated in his induction into the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame, an honor that reflected his leadership, hard work, and love for agriculture.
Royce was saved, baptized, and joined Fairview United Baptist Church, later moving his membership to Oak Grove United Baptist Church. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was also a member of Washington Meredith #355 F&AM Masonic Lodge. Through both his church and community involvement, Royce built relationships that extended far beyond his immediate family and left an enduring mark on the people and organizations he served. In his final years, Royce cared for Dot with love, patience, and devotion during her illness. After her passing, he carried her memory with him and spent the remainder of his life cherishing the years they had shared and the family they had built together.
He leaves to cherish his memory– his loving children, Gregory Royce (Carolyn), Stacy Kendall (Tara), and Hillary (Todd Varvel); and his four beloved granddaughters, Catherine, Sarah, Kyndall, and Lynnlee. Besides his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by his twin daughters, Rhonda and Melinda, and siblings, Shirley Glass and Belinda “Sandy” Vincent.
Royce Vincent will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his commitment to his community, and his enduring spirit. His rich legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren, in the agricultural community he helped strengthen, and in the many lives he touched through a lifetime of faithful service. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Edmonson County Cattleman’s Scholarship Fund, 999 Browning Road, Brownsville, KY 42210.
The interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Patton Funeral Home Brownsville Chapel. Visitation is 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, and 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
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