Vernon was the son of James Carlton Laird Sr. and Hilda May Kendall Laird. He graduated from Freehold Boro High School and continued his education at Miami of Ohio. With loyal dedication to family, he left college to help his mother run their family business, White and Snyder, which became Duckett and Laird incorporated in 1964. Vernon was a co-owner with Jack Duckett, bringing patient leadership and kind-hearted steadiness to the work and to those around him.
In his personal life, Vernon’s warmth showed in the simple, lasting ways he spent time with the people he loved. In high school he played basketball, and he found joy in golf, tennis, fishing, boating, and traveling with his wife Sandy—pursuits that reflected both an adventurous spirit and an unhurried appreciation for life’s everyday gifts.
Vernon also gave his time to the wider community with the same thoughtful care he offered at home. He was involved in Rotary in the Freehold New Jersey area, supporting humanitarian projects, youth programs, and community growth. He was also a member of the Monmouth Ocean Fuel Dealers Association and the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James Carlton Laird Jr.; his first wife, Betty Rae Laird; his second wife, Adele Laird; and his step-daughter Lorie Long.
He was married 30 years to Sandy Laird, who survives him. Survivors also include Pam (Fran) Sichenze, Sue Burdette, Diane (Brad) Erney, Ann Budd, his step-daughter Gail Maury, his grandchildren Matt and Lauren, Elizabeth, Kendall, Alena, Joshua, Ben, Sarah, Tim, Julianna, and David, and 9 great-children and counting.
Visitation will be held on August 15, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Life Event Center At Florida Memorial, 5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955. A Celebration of Life will follow on August 15, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am at Life Event Center At Florida Memorial, 5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955.
