Alton Gene Vincent, 84 of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. He was born in Greenville, NC on April 8, 1938, son of the late Alton Rudolph Vincent and Corrine Smith Vincent. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Jan Vincent. Al attended Greenville High School where he played baritone in the marching band. He earned a BS in history from Campbell College, and a master’s in education from the University of Virginia. Al proudly served in the United States Army National Guard from 1963 until he was honorably discharged in 1966, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received the Congressional Recognition Award from the Honorable Robert Hurt for his service during the Vietnam War. In 1968, he moved to Bedford County with his wife Charlotte, embarking on a 30-year career in education as a teacher at Otter River Elementary, Assistant Principal at Jefferson Forest and Principal of Boonesboro and Moneta Elementary Schools. Al was a lifetime member of the Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers, a member of the Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity for public educators, a member of the ASCD for developing leadership and quality education, and Vice President of the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals. Throughout his life, Al was dedicated to serving his community and country. He was a member of the Moneta Ruritan Club, serving as president in 1986. He served on the Bedford County Department of Social Services Board, helping to build a children’s home in Bedford. He was a founding sponsor of The National Museum of the US Army in Fort Belvoir, VA, and was a dedicated volunteer at the National D-Day Memorial, winning an award for outstanding service in 2013. Al was also a devoted member of the American Legion and was named Legionnaire of the year in 2016. Al served as President of the Bedford International Alliance for 9 years. During his service with the BIA, he founded the Memorial Day Service honoring the Bedford Boys. Al and his wife Charlotte loved traveling the world. Some of their treasured trips included going to Europe, including Normandy and Iceland, and Alaska. Al was an avid golfer and rabid fan of UVA athletics. He was a member of the Bedford Country Club, playing weekly rounds with his friends. He was proud of winning the Club Championship, and making a rare double eagle, which was recognized by Golf Digest. Al is survived and missed by his loving wife, Charlotte Reynolds, of over 55 years; daughter Sharon Garrett and husband Tom, son Steven A. Vincent; and nephew David Vincent and niece Ashlyn. He is affectionately known as Bop Bop, and cherished by his grandchildren, Whitney Vincent, Tucker Garrett, and Scott Garrett. Al was a dedicated member of Main Street United Methodist church. A memorial will be held at the church on January 21, 2023 at 11:00am with Rev. Dawn Compton officiating. Please join the family for visitation at 10:00am before the service. Donations can be made in his memory to The National D-Day Memorial, Main Street United Methodist Church, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.