Vern Leslie McElmurry

Vern Leslie McElmurry, age 71 of Shelby Township, died Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born January 19, 1946 in Detroit, son of the late Milton and the late Ursula (nee; Fontana) McElmurry.Everyone knows that Vern possessed strong work ethics and loved his job, a career that spanned many years with the Pepsi Cola Company where he held the position of Marketing Executive. Amidst worthy competitors within the same realm as his, it was Vern's job to keep the beverage giant just that,…and this "Giant-of-a-Man" reached great heights through his extreme and remarkable dedication to the company. Along with Vern's exemplary efforts on the job, it also came with a few demands, some of which certain folks might have found a bit challenging,…the need to relocate periodically. Yes, Vern's career years were enveloped by a host of different homes that he was commissioned to endure which was simply a need that embodied the professionalism that came with his position. Yet for Vern and his family, the relocations were more of a pleasure than a burden. You see,…it came easy for Vern as he was one of those gregarious and likeable kind of guys that made friends quickly, the kind of guy others would warm up to as if they'd been friends for years. And even though the job took him to numerous locations throughout his employment, the friends he met and built relationships with are people who remained just as close and special long after he moved on. When he wasn't pouring out his expertise at work, you'd often find him enjoying his favorite pastimes,…one of which was reading. Vern was an avid reader who found great delight in cozying up in just the right spot with a good book in hand, and simply allowing himself to get swept away in the pages. It was always such a calming release at the end of a busy day. As for a couple of his other pastimes, they drew upon more of his sporty nature,…the less exertive, but equally enjoyable, sports of fishing and golfing. Whether it was by himself or shared with a friend, each sport offered Vern the perfect mix of recreation and relaxation all wrapped into one. And whether he was casting out his line in search of "The Big One,",,,or teeing off in the hopes of landing that elusive "Hole-in-One,",,,each afforded Vern the perfect escape from work into the pleasures of life.But, of course,…Vern's ultimate time away from work was enveloped by those precious and cherished moments spent in the company of his daughter, and later his treasured grandchildren. They were the light of his life and helped create a host of wonderful memories that he embraced and held close to his heart every day of his life. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Vern made a huge and lasting impression on most everybody he knew,…most notably his loved ones. Together, with his funny disposition and sense of humor, and his caring personality, is it any wonder why people absolutely loved this guy? He was always lifting others up, influencing others with his motivating aura, and simply loved having a good time and making memories to last a lifetime. And since the humor factor has been touched on, an obituary about Vern would be sadly remiss if not for mentioning his "Big Head." A prize aspect of this handsome and funny guy, his head became the brunt of many-a-comedic moments throughout his life,…but all in loving fun. Yet for as much as Vern was noted for his Big Head, there's no question or mystery to his greatest feature being his "Big Heart." Poured out to the many and all who would become a vessel, Vern filled countless lives with those important three C's…Comedy, Compassion, and Care! He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.Vern was the beloved husband of Julie, and dearest father of Debbie (Mark) Seckar. He was the loving grandfather of Emily, Erica, and Nicholas. Cherished brother of Sally (Chris) Urban, Kristine (Robert) Conden, Susan (Michael) Mancinelli, Matthew (Kimberly) McElmurry, the late Michael, the late David, and the late Mark. Brother in law of Paul Hamway, Norm (Sue) Hamway, and Halina (Adam) Wudarski. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. A Memorial Visitation for Vern will be held on Thursday, November 16th from 3-8 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd.) in Warren. His Memorial Service will follow on Friday morning, 11:30 am at the funeral home.Memorial donations are welcomed to Custom Hospice, 928 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067. Please share memories of Vern at his memory book above.