Vhern Wesley Etherton

Born as the youngest of three sons on March 13, 1953, in Moulton, Alabama, Vhern is preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Acie L. Etherton and Peggy Fair Etherton Miner, as well as his eldest brother, Walter “Bucky” Etherton. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Barbara Warr Etherton; his daughters, Kristi (Scott) Graham of Sugar Land, Texas, and Keri Stritikus of Alabaster, Alabama; his brother, James L. Etherton of Panama City Beach, Florida; his sister-in-law Teresa Etherton of Valley, Alabama; his sister-in-law, Joanne (Jeff) Tolleson; and his brother-in-law, John (Tammy) Warr, both of Scottsboro, Alabama. Vhern was also a beloved grandfather, affectionately known as PawPaw to four grandchildren: Noah Stritikus (19), Micah Stritikus (16), Bryson Graham (16), and Emily Graham (12).

As the son of a Methodist minister, Vhern moved throughout Alabama, living in Langdale, Oxford, Guntersville, and ultimately settling in Scottsboro, where he graduated from Scottsboro High School in 1970. He received a football scholarship to the University of the South (Sewanee, Tennessee). He later transferred to Birmingham-Southern College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry in 1975.

After graduation, Vhern briefly worked for the Jefferson County Health Department as a food inspector before discovering his passion for insurance. He began his career as a Life Agent with Protective Life before accepting a position at Barnett Insurance, a small agency in Monroeville, Alabama. After several years in Monroeville, Vhern was offered a position that brought him back to Birmingham, where he served as the Head of the Personal Lines Department at Garner, Meshad, and Woods. He concluded his career at Trammel, Harper, and Williams, where he worked as an Independent Insurance Agent, servicing his clients until this past year.

Vhern was known for his witty humor and was always a source of laughter. He had an insatiable love for reading, a passion for history, a keen interest in politics, and an undying loyalty to the University of Alabama football team. A man of deep convictions, he strongly supported the military and first responders, with a family legacy rooted in service: his grandfather served as a firefighter, and his eldest grandson, Noah, is currently in training to follow suit.

Vhern Wesley Etherton leaves behind a world that is kinder and brighter for those who have known him, his spirit forever woven into the hearts of those who will always love him.

Celebration of Life will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, Alabama 35124, at 2:30 PM on Sunday, October 13th, 2024, with Pastor John Mount officiating. Visitation will be held at the chapel prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SouthernCare New Beacon Hospice in Clanton, AL for the excellent care they provided.