He was born on August 26, 1932, in Weaverville, NC, to the late John and Lula Mull. After graduating from Weaverville High School, he attended Asheville-Biltmore College where he was a standout basketball player. His first airplane flight was to Blacksburg, VA where he was being recruited to play basketball at Virginia Tech. However, he had already met the love of his life, Sally Swain, whom he married on November 21, 1953.
After serving two years in the US Army, he started his working career. After a long successful career with Cone Mills, he retired as President of the Olympic Products Division and a corporate Vice-President. Vernon was a long time and active member of Guilford Park Presbyterian Church as well as the Kiwanis Club of Greensboro.
Upon retirement, Vernon and Sally were able to travel extensively with golf being a main activity. They both enjoyed spending time at their mountain house at High Meadows with family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by Sally his loving life of over 70 years, and his three brothers JC Mull, Don Mull, and Max Mull.
Vernon is survived by his three children John Mull (Kathy), Verna Morgan (Reed) and Larry Mull (Amy); his grandchildren Michael Mull (Lyndsey) Matthew Mull (Mary Michael) Robert Fricke (Lyndsay) Sarah Campbell (Ryan) Carter Mull, Charlie Mull, and Aveline Mull; great grandchildren Olivia Mull, Avery Mull, Harper Fricke, Tanner Mull, Beckett Fricke, Asher Mull, Cameron Campbell and Harris Mull; numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
The family would like to say a big thank you to the staff at Caring Hands for their care and support for Vernon with a tremendous expression of gratitude to both Dorian Galloway and Maria Perez. The family would also like to recognize all the staff of AuthoraCare for their guidance, support, and care of Vernon.
A celebration of life service for Vernon will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday August 27, 2025, at Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
