Obituaries

Lee Vernon was born to Major Gordon and Mildred Vernon on January 26, 1961, in Fort Eustis, Virginia. He spent his first four years in Germany, as Major Vernon was assigned there by the US Army as a Battalion Commander. Upon returning to the United States, Lee saw the Statue of Liberty as they arrived by ship to New York Harbor, while wearing his “United States hat”.

Lee spent most of his childhood in Martinsville, Virginia, around many family members and friends. He excelled academically in school and was a star athlete in football and basketball. He had several close friends, including Keith Burgess, Tootie, Brenda, and his cousin Mickey. Upon graduation from Martinsville High School in 1979, Lee received a football scholarship to Wake Forest University, where he played offensive tackle on the team that won the Tangerine Bowl in Tokyo, Japan, in 1982. Lee graduated from Wake Forest in 1983 with a BA in English. He remained a lifelong member of the Wake Forest Football Alumni Club and attended many games over the years. He also played briefly for the Kansas City Chiefs before injury curtailed his athletic career.

Lee had a varied employment career, starting as a high school English teacher in the Wake County school system. He held management positions at Eckerd Drugs, The Fresh Market, and Sara Lee. He spent 17 years as an area manager for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Danville, Virginia. His father had worked at Goodyear for over 20 years after retiring from military service. Health issues led to Lee’s retirement, although he did spend a brief period working at Danville Casino during its opening, where he became an accomplished blackjack dealer.

Lee grew up in the church and remained faithful to Mount Zion AME Church, becoming a Deacon. He cherished his role in the church as it provided him sustenance during the many challenges he faced and overcame. He even sang a solo in church, which, for those who knew his and his father’s musical ability, was quite an accomplishment. Lee enjoyed being with his family and especially participating in the annual Vernon family reunions. He enjoyed golfing with his cousins, riding his motorcycle, traveling, and watching sports, especially Wake Forest football and basketball.

Lee is survived by his sister Marilyn (Raymond) Cox of Hilton Head, SC; and brother, Joseph Baldwin of Martinsville, VA; as well as his nephews Michael Moore of Los Angeles, CA; and Jason Cox of Atlanta, GA; his aunt, Magdaline Story of Johnson City, Tennessee; and two special friends, Manuel Moyer and Brenda Inge both of Martinsville, VA. He is also survived by many cousins and friends who remained faithfully by his side for most of his life. Lee was preceded in death by his loving parents, Mildred and Gordon Vernon.

All services will be announced at a later date.

Hairston Funeral Home provides courteous, efficient, and dependable services.