Vernon Garvin

Vernon Burgette Garvin, III, passed away at home on April 29, 2024 after an intense battle with cancer. Born in Elkton, MD on October 21,1950, he is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon Burgette Garvin, Jr. and Virginia Connor Garvin. He is survived by his wife of more than 51 years, Jean (Moore) Garvin, two daughters Chrissy (Jefferson) Green of Henrico, VA and Mary (Scott) Ballard of Greensboro, NC, and grandchildren Destin Ballard, SydneyBallard, Dori Green, Ginny Green, Amelia Green, and Beckett Ballard. He is also survived by his brother, Dale(Terry) Garvin of Lansing, NC, many cousins, nephews and nieces, and adopted family members Ken and Donna Ziglar. Vernon, known as ‘Red’ by many of his coworkers, earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1972. He began his career working in the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, until he and Jean moved to Bassett where he began work for Bassett Furniture Industries in1976. He held many engineering and construction roles with the company during his 41 year career and retired in 2017. Vernon served his community as a member of the Bassett Rescue Squad, the GBAC and the Bassett Rotary Club where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow. Vernon was a very active member of Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church for more than 44 years. He served on the Board of Deacons, including as Chairman, and was also Chairman of the Properties Committee as well as a member of numerous other committees. His crowning achievement is his design of the church’s picnic shelter: clearly the best engineered structure in Henry County. After retiring Vernon volunteered for more than 8 years with Grace Network in the food pantry. He also spent many hours helping others in need, building ramps, splitting and delivering wood, and delivering meals to shut-ins. The family would especially like to thank Mandi Hundley and Ravenel Oncology Center for going above and beyond in their love and support of Vernon and Jean throughout this difficult journey. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 pm and his memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 4, 2024 and will be officiated by Susan Spangenberg. All services will be held at Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church, 120 Bassett Heights Road, Bassett, VA, 24055. In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations be made to Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church. Collins Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com.