Vasley Cain

Obituary For Vasley Cain

( November 22, 1936--February 18, 2026)

TYLER--Funeral services for Mr. Vasley Cain, 89, are scheduled for 12 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026 at North Tenneha Church of Christ with Brother Edward Robinson, eulogist.

Vasley Fred Cain, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, was born on November 22, 1936, to the late Lewis and Zola Cain. He peacefully completed his earthly journey on February 18, 2026. Vasley was the fourth of eleven children and was deeply rooted in faith, family, and service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Nick and Louise Cain, and Henry and Fredonia McCormick; his son, Kelvin Jones; his siblings, Felton, Bobby, Billy, Jerry, and Evelyn Cain-Smith; and his granddaughter, Charnise Billington.

Vasley attended Smith County St. Louis Schools from the first through tenth grades and proudly graduated from Emmett J. Scott High School in 1955. Shortly after graduation, in June of 1955, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he honorably served his country for over 20 years. During his distinguished military career, he attained the rank of Technical Sergeant (TSGT). His primary role was Morse Systems Supervisor, with a secondary position as an Administration Specialist. He also served as a Radio Dispatcher in the MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System) program. His service took him around the world, including assignments in Thailand, Japan, England, Scotland, and Jamaica, among many others.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Vasley began employment with GE/Trane on February 9, 1976. After a couple of weeks at GE he soon began to realize that his life would soon be changed forever from a 10-cent copy of the Tyler Morning Telegraph newspaper. After 23 years of dedicated service, Vasley retired from Trane Technologies in 1999.

Yet retirement did not slow him down. His passion for telecommunications led him to the University of Texas at Tyler, where he faithfully served for five years as an Audio-Visual Technician.

In 1998, Vasley gave his life to Christ and became a devoted member of North Tenneha Church of Christ. He continued serving his church family as a custodian beginning in 2007. After an extraordinary 66 years of diligent work, Vasley officially retired in 2019.

That simple newspaper purchase blossomed into a unique friendship that grew into a beautiful and blissful marriage. Vasley met the LOVE OF HIS LIFE, Zanell, and through their union, God blessed him with five children, eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Vasley had a deep love for reading, photography-capturing thousands of cherished moments, and football, where he proudly held “Reserved” seats at Rose Stadium. Above all, he was a family man. He made it a priority to attend the sporting events, academic achievements, and artistic performances of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. No matter the event, Vasley was present, supportive, and proud.

Those left to cherish his precious memories include his devoted wife, Zanell; two sons, Robert (Tricia) and Willie Ray; two daughters, Janice (Lloyd) and Cheryl (Curtis); grandchildren, DeMarc, Ja’Vasua, Robert II, Demontre, Sasha (Cameron), Jacquetta, Deidra (Patrick), and Alivia (Marquis); great-grandchildren, DeMarenae (David), DeKaleb, Devon, Camyria, Orlandris, NaKhiya, Aviyun, Kennedy, Camryn, Major, Alijah, NeKile, Micah, Charlie, and Saint; great-great-grandchildren, Carter and Willow; three brothers, John Paul, Charles(Annette), and Maurice; two sisters, Celestine Devoe and Noella Cain; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He also leaves behind two lifelong friends, Charles Williams and Therman Beasley(Fannie).

Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park under direction of John R. Harmon Undertaking Co. Public viewing will be Friday 2-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Send flowers to the service of Vasley Cain