Gary Vernon Obituary

GARY RAYMOND VERNON, 88 of Norfolk, Virginia passed away peacefully from advanced Alzheimer's on September 4, 2025 at home.

Gary was born in Circleville, Kansas to Fern and Raymond Vernon on March5,1937. He received his high school diploma from Princess Ann High School in Virginia Beach, VA. He went on to get his AS degree from Tidewater Community College and a BS in Human Resources from St. Leo College.

In 1955 Gary joined the US Navy and became an Air Traffic Controller who traveled around the world during the Viet Nam Era and was stationed in Italy for 4 years. He retired from the USN with 22 years of service afterward he spent an interim with Priest Electronics and for First and Merchants Bank as armed security in Norfolk. Then he was hired on as a Supervisor at the Navel Supply Center Norfolk where he worked for 23 more years before going into the ministry as an ordained Senior's Pastor at Oceanview (AG) Lighthouse Church, Norfolk. Gary ministered twice a week for 25 years with patients at Ballentine and other Commonwealth Memory Centers along with Leigh Hall Memory Care in the area. He loved to sing and worship in the Trumpeting Sounds Choir as a soloist and in duets during the same time. "Think About His Love" was one of his favorite duets. He loved God his family, his church and his country. His favorite scripture was Psalm 91. His favorite color was dark burgundy.

Gary is survived by his wife Phyllis Hamilton Vernon of Norfolk, his sons Johnathan Hamilton Vernon (Sarah) and David Benjamin Vernon, grandchildren: Kayla Fletcher, Dominick Vernon, Alyssa Vernon, and Gavin Vernon a great-grandchild Elijah Vernon and soon to arrive great-grandbaby Fletcher (Virginia) and nephew Brian Lewis, and nieces Tammy Todd Wetzel, and Cindy Reding (Missouri), and Tara Jensen (Kansas). He was preceded by his parents, two sisters Marleen Todd and Sandra Newmon, and his brother Rev. Dean Thompson.

The funeral service will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Homes, Southside Chapel, 5033 Rouse Dr. in Virginia Beach on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 1PM with Rev. Todd Hodges, officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby St. in Norfolk immediately following the service. Those who knew and loved Gary are invited to a reception at Oceanview Lighthouse Church, 234 E. Bay Ave Fellowship Hall following the interment.

Those who want to give living plants or cut flowers can use Colony Beach Florist. Love Offerings may be left for Phyllis by CLICKING HERE.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to the staff of Medi-Home Health and Hospice for the preceding months and years of support and comfort for Gary along with OVLC worshipers. Special thanks to the faithful volunteers: weekly daily care by Victoria Reece, weekend care of Meredith Schroder and for those who filled in with care for Gary over the last 4 years, particularly Bill Smith, Michael Doucette, and Donna Apiag. Furthermore, a special thanks goes to the American Legion Post 327 for their loving support.