Verlon Eugene Westmoreland

LtC(R) Verlon Eugene “Westy” Westmoreland of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the age of 89. Westy died peacefully in the hospital just hours after being surrounded by his family who loved him so. We celebrate his home-going knowing he is now safely in Heaven with Jesus.

Westy was born in Canton, Texas on September 8, 1932. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas where he excelled in Track & Field. Beyond his wildest dreams, he was able to go to Texas A&M University on a Track scholarship, setting school and Southwestern Conference records. He loved his university and could often be heard saying, “GIG ‘EM!” and “God bless all those Texas Aggies!” He was a proud member of the class of 1954.

After graduation from Texas A&M, Westy joined the United States Army. He served as an Infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was a two-time Vietnam combat veteran and received many awards and commendations, most notably the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star with two Oakleaf Clusters for valor. He believed it was an honor to serve his country and after an exceptional career, he retired in 1980 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Not ready to fully retire, Westy and Barby moved from Atlanta to Saint Simons Island in 1986. He began a second career managing the University of Georgia’s Jekyll Island 4-H Center. He loved his work and his colleagues there for 10 years, retiring completely in 1998.

Westy (along with wife Barby) was a founding member of Community Church Saint Simons where he was lovingly known as the “Patriarch of the church.” He was a friend, mentor, father figure and pal to many. His walk through life with Jesus, his Savior, was genuine and many were blessed by his example.

Preceded in death are parents Jerome and Cleo Westmoreland and big brother, Billy.

Westy is survived by the love of his life and wife of 51 years, Barby, or as he called her, “Sugar.” Their love story is a family treasure and a gift to all those who were witness to his unconditional, never-changing, ever-faithful love.

Westy leaves behind a grateful and proud family. He is survived by daughters, Kathryn Leslie, Melissa Hansen (Dale), and Elizabeth Ridley (Marty); Grandchildren, Kathryn Younker (David), Sarah Godwin (Brent), Alexandra Leslie (fiancé, Storm Anderson), Preston Leslie, Jackson Smith, Thompson Smith, and Cooper Ridley; and Great-grandchildren, Sarah Evalyn Younker, William Joseph Younker, and Dahlia Kathryn Godwin.

Throughout his life, he was known by many names - Tuffy, Verlon, Colonel, Honey, Daddy, and his favorite, Grumps. Being a grandfather was the delight of his life and each one of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew it completely.

Westy was a great storyteller, gourmet chef, traveler, builder, and yard keeper. He loved cooking, football, and most especially, dogs. He was an adventurous and curious life-long learner.

We say, “See you soon again” to our family hero who has left us with wonderful memories, full hearts, and a legacy of love.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Godly ones." Psalms 116:15

Visitation will be held at Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home (3321 Glynn Avenue, Brunswick, Georgia) on Friday, February 11, from 5:00 - 7:00PM.

Funeral Services will be held at Community Church Saint Simons on Saturday, February 12, at 10:00AM. Immediately following will be a reception in the Atrium, and then a 12:00PM graveside service with military honors at Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens (5775 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, Ga.)

Active pallbearers are Dale Hansen, Marty Ridley, Preston Leslie, Jackson Smith, Thompson Smith, Cooper Ridley, David Younker, Brent Godwin, and Storm Anderson.

Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home www.edomillerandsons.com