Mr. Vernon, 79, passed from this life on August 12, 2018 at his home in Madison, MS. His first wife of 53 years, Lemma Grantham Vernon passed away February 15, 2013, her 71st birthday. Lemma and Marvin have three children who survive him…Eugene Sherwood Vernon, Laura Vernon Meacham (Clint), and Kenneth Marvin Vernon (Amy). Surviving is also their only grandchild, beloved Presley Ann Vernon. This marvelous granddaughter brought unsurpassed love to their lives. A loving brother, Jerry, also survives, as well as a nephew, Leigh Vernon, his wife Leah Bradford Vernon, and their two precious twin daughters, Anna Davis and Julia. A niece, Kathy Chapman, also survives, along with his second wife, Martha McLarty Vernon. Mr. Vernon is pre-deceased by his parents, Eugene C. and Mary E. Vernon, and sister, Barbara Vernon Chapman.
Mr. Vernon was born March 28, 1939 in Dallas, TX. He and his family moved to Jackson in 1951 where he attended Forest Hill for 2 years. He then attended Columbia Military Academy, Columbia, TN from 1953 until his graduation in 1957. He became a Captain and Company Commander in his senior year and finished second in his class in military science. He was also an Eagle Scout.
He attended Ole Miss from which he graduated in 1961 with a BBA degree and a major in Insurance. He then served his 42 years in the insurance industry with Mutual and United of Omaha, Security Benefit Life, and most recently Southern Farm Bureau Life in Jackson as associate director of marketing services and head of retirement planning and health insurance sales. He was the first registered Principal for the company and headed up the marketing effort for variable annuities and fixed annuities for the company.
Marvin enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing with them at their Lake Caroline home for 14 years. He also enjoyed hunting with his sons and brother. He was active in the running community, racing in many Mississippi Track Club functions over several years. He also qualified for the Boston Marathon, which he ran in 1990. So many wonderful friendships were made during his running years.
A memorial service will be held at Parkway Funeral Home, Highland Colony Parkway, in Ridgeland, MS at 11:30 am on Thursday, August 16, 2018. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the music program at Christ United Methodist Church of Jackson, where the Vernon's sang in the choir for many years.
