Elmer "EJ" J. Vaughan

Elmer Jackson Vaughan “EJ” lived 81 years before his passing on May 5, 2025 at Hampton Sentara Careplex. He was the oldest of nine children born to the late Andrew and late Etta (Hoggard) Vaughan. EJ graduated from Robert L. Vann H.S., Ahoskie, NC in 1961, and was a member of Zion Grove Baptist Church. He then joined the U.S. Air Force where he spent 27 years traveling to many bases throughout the world, furthering his education and receiving many awards.

After retiring from active duty military, EJ continued his military career as a civil servant in the same field for 28 years and retired in Hampton in 2012. He enjoyed traveling, cruising, taking care of his yard, watching sports and game shows, spoiling his children and grandchildren, and attending church at both Ebenezer Baptist and St. James UMC in Hampton.

EJ married Ethel Lee Simmons in 1963 and became a father of four children: Sherri Bursey-Metzger - Memphis, TN; Richard Vaughan (Kathy Chapman) - Prescott, AZ; Angela Abrams (Gilbert Marshall) – Largo, MD; and Jacqueline Cross – Largo, MD. He is preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Etta, and his sisters Mildred, Thelma, and Vickie Lynn.

Remaining to celebrate his life are his wife Ethel, his children, his siblings: Dora Satterthwaite (Thomas Dunn); Rev. Cynthia V. Vaughan; Andrew Kirtz (Julia) Vaughan; Vivian V. Vaughan; and Sheila Vaughan Eley; plus 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, two aunts, one uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. A celebration of life funeral service will occur Friday, May 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. An interment to follow the service with military honors will occur Friday, May 16, 2025 at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666.