Evans, GA – Mr. Homer Millard Vernon “Millard” went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at home after a valiant struggle with cancer March 5, 2009. He was a loving husband, wise father, and tender grandfather (Papa).
Funeral services will be held on Monday March 9, 2009 at Grace Baptist Church at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Donnie Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at Westover Memorial Park.
Mr. Vernon was born in Hopewell, Virginia on February 3, 1943, the oldest son of Homer and Odom Vernon. He graduated from Thomas Dale High School in 1961. He then attended Virginia Polytechnical Institute where he was part of the Corps of Cadets. He received a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. This is where he met his bride of 43 years, Glenda Henicle Vernon. He continued his Master’s degree in Automatic Controls at Georgia Institute of Technology. Following graduation he served on active duty in the United States Air Force from 1967 until 1973. He served at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA where he worked with the Minuteman Missiles Systems. He was then assigned to Kirkland Air Force Base, NM where he worked in the Weapons Laboratory doing laser technology. After leaving active duty in the Air Force with the rank of Captain, he was employed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory in MA in their Navy laser technology department. He came to Augusta, Georgia where he was President of Alternate Energy Resources for 19 years. He then founded Vernon Systems an IT support business where he joyfully served many customers who later became his friends.
Survivors include his wife, Glenda Henicle Vernon; three daughters, Alette (Todd) Vernon Boyce, Julie (Glen) Vernon Purvis, and Bethany (Walter) Vernon Allen; five grandchildren, Joshua and Jacob Purvis, Spencer and Jamie Boyce, and Lucy Allen; one brother, Dr. Michael (Debbie) Odom Vernon, four sisters, Rebecca (James Jr.) Vernon Blanchard, Ginger (Steve) Vernon Longcrier, Molly (Steve) Vernon Clifton, and Marya (Robert) Vernon Elrod.
Pallbearers will be Mr. Vernon’s six nephews, James G. Blanchard III, Christian Longcrier, David Vernon, Robert and Michael Clifton, Robert Elrod and three dear friends, Dale Blass, Bill Nettles, and Lon Purvis.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Life Ministries International Haiti Mission Project, P.O. Box 211254, Martinez, GA 30917 or European Missions Outreach, Inc., P.O. Box 211711, Augusta, GA 30917.
The family will receive friends at Platt’s Funeral Home on Sunday March 8, 2009 from 5:00PM until 7:00 PM.