Robert Vernon

Robert Earl Vernon, age 86, of Hampton, Tennessee went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at his home. Robert was born in Underhill, Alabama to the late Earlie Rufus Vernon and Margie Elizabeth Vernon. In addition to his parents, Robert was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Elizabeth Vernon and another sister, Katherine Vernon; a grandson, Chase Alexander Vernon; and two granddaughters, Regan Hope Vernon and Leia Prior.

Robert retired as a Major in the United States Air Force. He had worked as a certified life underwriter and was a member of Grace Fellowship Church of Johnson City. Robert volunteered at Doe River Gorge Ministries and loved to bicycle and read books.

Those left to continue Robert’s legacy include his beloved wife of 64 years, Nancy Beuk Vernon; four children: Randy Keith (Carol) Vernon, Rod Garth (Bonnie) Vernon, Ryan Daniel (Jennifer) Vernon and Lauren Elizabeth (Adam) Prior; thirteen grandchildren: Courtney (Bill), Dane (Caroline), Garth, Brock, Brandon (Melissa), Bryce (Patience), Julia (Josh), Grant, Riley (Ivi), Reece, Ben, Andi and Aslan; ten great grandchildren; and five sisters, Joyce Stacey, Brenda Hartstein, Linda Lambert, Mary Hamilton and Teresa Rodriguez.

A private graveside service to celebrate and honor Robert’s life will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Section) with Pastor Terry Maughon officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the graveside. Active pallbearers will be Riley Vernon, Dane Vernon, Reece Vernon, Brock Vernon, Joel Hurst and Randy Holland. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Grace Fellowship Community Group. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:45 PM on Friday.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Robert to Doe River Gorge Ministries (Scholarship Fund), 220 Doe River Gorge Road, Hampton, TN 37658 or www.doerivergorge.com/vernon-memorial-fund

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com. Hathaway Percy Funeral Home is honored to serve the Vernon family. Office phone: (423) 543-5544.