Vance McGraw Jr. (Vinny), born April 23rd, 1985, In Ponca City, Oklahoma, left a life well lived on May 22nd, 2022.

Vinny was a lifelong resident of Ponca City. He attended Lincoln Elementary School and graduated Po Hi in 2003. Raised by his father Vance McGraw Sr., he had a love of anything outdoors, fishing, boating anything g with water, but when he found Motocross, he was in love. After his father secured his first bike, Vinny went to work. Being blessed with a huge amount of natural talent he went to work practicing like there was no tomorrow. He had a goal to be a national champion and the will to make it happen. In 2000, it all came together, he entered a 9 year old Yamaha in the Modified Beginner Class at the 25th NMA Grand National Motocross Championships and breezed to win all 4 of his moto’s to become the first local rider to win a National Championship. All the hard work, dedication and sacrifice had paid off. He continued to work hard, practice and race with a lot of success, accumulating a room full of trophy’s, plaques and banners to celebrate his victories. In July 2005, Vinny was injured in a boating accident that left him a Quadriplegic. A lot of people would have given up, but even though his body was working against him, he was blessed with the heart and soul of a champion and he never gave up. Vinny was able to accomplish so much after his accident. With the help of great friends he was able to harvest his first deer, from his wheelchair, he went boating and even riding side by sides at Little Sahara. He would love going on long drives with his Dad in his van, Betty White, on the back roads of his beloved Osage County and sharing the pictures they would take and the stories of the things they saw with all of us. Vinny had a large number of internet friends who may have never met him in person but were inspired by him. Those that knew and loved him will always remember his smile, ornery laugh, huge heart and unconquerable spirit.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Roy McGraw. He is survived by his father, Vance McGraw Sr. of Ponca City, Uncle, Larry McGraw, and countless friends who he made feel like family.

Celebration of life services will take place June 30th at 3 pm at Pioneer Cove Marina in Kaw City.