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Obituary For Lee J. Vernon
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 โUnited States hatโ.
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 worked in management positions for Eckerd Drugs, The Fresh Market and Sara Lee. He spent 17 years as 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 Leeโs retirement, although he did spend a brief period working at Danville Casino during its opening, becoming 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 he and his fatherโs 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.
A visitation service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. with a memorial service at 12 noon at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville.
Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.
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Anthony Gallant sent Ocean Breeze Spray for Lee J. Vernon - April 22, 2026
Lee and I first met in August of 1979 as members of the same Wake Forest Football recruiting class, and we remained friends for the next 47 years. We shared the unique life-long bond that football teams often create, but we also shared a personal bond that allowed us to reflect on everything else that life brought our way, both good and not so good. What I appreciated most about Lee was both his thoughtfulness and his candor. He would listen attentively, consider what I had presented, and then give me his opinion, unvarnished, well spoken, short, and to the point. Lee told me what I needed to hear, which was not always what I wanted to hear, but Lee also held himself to the same standard, and he was more than willing to listen and consider a different opinion or perspective. His friendship and concise, often one-sentence counsel have served me well over the years. I will miss it, and I will miss him. I will also miss the loud, heart-felt, whole body, Lee Vernon laugh that ended almost every conversation and reassured me that one way or the other, everything was going to be alright until we met again. So, until we meet again, God bless and godspeed my friend. Go Deacs...
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So very sad to hear of the loss of this classmate and friend. Praying comfort and strength for your family. I have comfort in knowing you are in the hands of our heavenly father at peace. However gone too soon. Young man you will truly be missed my many. We will all meet gain on the other side. Rest easy Lee J.
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I'm deeply saddened by the news of Lee's passing. It was truly a blessing to have known him as a friend at Wake Forest. His gentle spirit, kindness, and positive energy left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest well, my friend. ๐๐พ
Lee J was my roommate our freshman year at Wake Forest.He was a great football player,but even a better man!Prayers Up to his family.Rest easy Big Bro,gonna miss you.Go Deacs ๐๐ช๐ฝ๐ฉ๐....
Our deepest condolences to the Vernon family. Lee Jay and his family were dear and highly regarded neighbors on High Street. Lee Jay made me feel protected whenever I was in his prescence. Lee Jay was a great friend, always pleasant, and genuinely loving. Rest in peace my dear, dear High Street neighbor.
Our deepest condolences to the Vernon family. Lee Jay and his family were dear and highly regarded neighbors on High Street. Lee Jay made me feel protected whenever I was in his prescence. Lee Jay was a great friend, always pleasant, and genuinely loving. Rest in peace my dear, dear High Street neighbor.
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โ๏ธ๐๐พ He Made It Home.
Just received word on my Deacon brother's passing... And in the midst of the grief, there is peace. Because I know this โ he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.
He is seated at the right of the throne. No more pain. No more decline. No more waiting.
He won. The wellness mission I carry will always matter to me. But today I'm reminded that the most important patch we'll ever wear is the one placed over our hearts when we say YES to Christ.
Everything else is borrowed time. And how we use it matters. Rest easy, Brother. Deacon done. Saint forever. ๐
We'll see you on the other side. ๐ค
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#RestInPower #HeIsHome #Faith #WakeForest #Deacons #SaintForever #JesusChrist #GriefAndGrace #LiveYounger #X39 #PurposeDriven
God Bless Lee J and his family. See you on the other side Lil brother ,as we line up for the next round. ๐๐พ
Praying for the Family. To know my cousin was to love him and all that he stood for. He loved sports and riding his motorcycle. I often bragged about Lee J. About how he played for Football and how tall he was. I remember a story I was told about how when he would go to the movies when he was really young, they would try to make him pay adult price because they thought he was older than what he actually was. Cuz, you will be missed by so many. Take your rest. โฅ
To the family and friends of this young man that I always called a Gentle Giant. A couple of years ago we reconnected and he came and we went out to dinner. It was a blessing to share with him how he was an inspiring hero. We stayed in contact periodically and he contacted and gave encouraging words when my father passed in December! I pray you all continue to cherish the sweet spirit memories of the all around great guy. Rest In Paradise my forever Gentle Giant.
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My condolences to the Vernon family. Rest in peace, big Lee. The Martin family, former neighbors
Praying for the family.
Rest in Peace Lee J. I will miss our text messages especially during the football season. Cousin Kaye
Rest in peace cousin๐๏ธ
Lee was a kind and thoughtful spirit who I will greatly miss. My thoughts are with the family and all those grieving this loss. May you rest in peace, my friend.
Sending Love, Prayers and Condolences to The Family and Friends of Lee Vernon!! I'm so sorry for your loss-FLY HIGH LEE ๐๏ธRIP Margaret B Fountain
Sending our condolences and prayers to the entire Family! RIP Lee! I shall never forget High Family
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my warmest condolences. Robin, Jasmine & Howard Scott, Bowie, MD
To the family of Lee J. Vernon. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the entire family. Lee J. was a dear classmate and friend. May he rest in peace. Gone to soon. ๐
So sorry to hear the loss of my classmate praying for the family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
