Joel Vernon Daughtridge

Known to most people as Vernon, he was born July 6, 1944, in Rocky Mount, NC to the late Joseph Vernon Daughtridge and Marie Flowers Daughtridge. As an adult, he delighted family and friends with hilarious childhood tales of sneaking into the drive-in theater and riding his tricycle down the main road in Rocky Mount in pursuit of his older brother, Bill.

Vernon enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17. He was a submariner, serving on the USS Atule and USS Odax. He chose the submarine service because he said the pay and the food were better than other Naval assignments. Vernon was a Machinist’s Mate on the submarine that had orders to fire at Russian ships during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

After leaving the Navy, Vernon met the love of his life, Roxan, on a blind date. That first night, he told her he was going to marry her. At the time she thought, “You’re crazier than you look,” but two years later his prediction became reality as they joined together in a loving, devoted marriage that lasted more than 51 years. Vernon was a proud and affectionate father. He and Roxan raised their daughter, Kristi, and their son, Wesley, in a home filled with love. Vernon loved his children beyond measure and was overjoyed when they each found their own wonderful spouses. His grandchildren and great-grandchild also brought him tremendous joy.

Vernon was a Physical Science Technician for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for 30 years. He went into polluted areas around the nation to collect and test air and water samples. One of his most significant career accomplishments was helping in the clean-up of Love Canal in New York in the late 1970s.

Vernon loved the Lord and was a long-time member of Green Level Baptist Church. He enjoyed camping and music, loved people, and never met a stranger. His warmth and humor instantly put people at ease. He fiercely loved his family and his many cherished friends, and all were blessed to know him.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Bill Daughtridge (Betsy).

He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Roxan Daughtridge; daughter, Kristi Daughtridge Lawrence (Jeremy); son, Wesley Daughtridge (Fran); four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Green Level Baptist Church, 8509 Green Level Church Road, Cary, NC 27519. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Family and friends can also view the memorial virtually at www.greenlevel.com

Memorials may be sent to the Dementia Society of America, www.dementiasociety.org

Condolences may be sent to www.ApexFuneral.net