Vernon Clark Brittingham Jr., of Salisbury went to be with the Lord the 10th day of May, 2024. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; Vernon never knew a stranger. Born during the Great Depression gave him the determination to be a dedicated worker and provider for his family. During his 91 years, he experienced WW II, 2 Conflicts, the Gulf and Cold wars; but also the invention of the computer, the jet engine, and the television. He excitedly watched the broadcast of a man walk on the moon on a black and white TV.
After graduating from Wicomico High School in 1951, he served in the Army, during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to Salisbury, he begin a lifelong career in retail sales and management at: R. E. Powell, Lee Johnson’s, Montgomery Ward, Baltimore Stationary Company and Sam’s Club.
Preceded in death by his parents, Helen Virginia Adelaide Genevieve Brickert Brittingham Cox Howard and Vernon Clark Brittingham Sr.;as well as a sister, Zay Dee Lee Brittingham; stepfather, Lewes Howard; close friend, Bob Tindall; son-in-law, Charles Richards; three beloved brothers in-law, Ronald, Earl and William Taylor and grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. E.W. Brickert. He adored his grandmother, Zaidee who was instrumental in his upbringing. A talented musician, teacher and Minister, she guided his life and was a strong moral compass. Vernon went on to be a deacon and taught Sunday school at Oak Ridge Baptist Church here in Salisbury where he eagerly welcomed all who entered with a smile and strong handshake! He had a great sense of humor and was always quick with a joke; telling them even in the hospital and on his deathbed.
As a former Boulevard Theatre employee, He loved a good movie, especially suspense, or westerns, as a child wanting to be a cowboy himself. He enjoyed camping, attending any Friday night high school football game, loved watching tennis and his NFL Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed checkers and playing table tennis with anyone who would pick up a paddle.
Survived by the love of his life, and 68 years of marriage, Betty Mae Brittingham; two children, Teresa Mae Richards, Belinda (Michael) Thompson; grandchildren, Andrew (Emily) Richards, Taylore Thompson, Shelbie Thompson and great-granddaughter, Alice. As well as sister-in-love, Dorothy Taylor; cousin who was like a sister, Ann Brittingham Suthowski, cousin, Ginger Esposito (Bob); and extended family, Cindy Eckman, Earl Taylor Jr., Judy (Fred) Senkbeil, and their children.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 16 at 11am at Oak Ridge Baptist Church, 361 Tilghman Rd, Salisbury. Friends may visit Wednesday evening from 6pm-8pm at Bounds Funeral Home on East Main Street in Salisbury and Thursday from 10am-11am at the church. Interment will follow in Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Vernon to Oak Ridge Baptist Church, 361 Tilghman Rd, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories with the family.
