Vernon Walter Wilson, Jr.

Vernon W. Wilson, Jr., “PopPop,” passed from this life into the arms of Jesus, May 17, 2017. Vernon, age 96, was born in Hampton to parents, Vernon and Mattie Wilson, August 21, 1920. He was a lifelong resident of Hampton. Vernon dearly loved his family and was known as a kind and gentle man who never had a mean word for anyone.

Vernon was a graduate of Hampton High School and played on the 1936 Championship Football Team. A decorated WWII veteran, he served in the Army from 1941-1945 in France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe.

Vernon was married to Betty Wilson for 62 years. Whether listening to, playing an instrument, or singing he was always involved in music. He was in a guitar, banjo, harmonica band called “The Dixie Troubadours” who played live on WGH Radio on a regular basis. He was a member of the Peninsula Barbershop Chorus and the Mariners Chorus. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church Hampton and worked Civil Service for the Fire Department at Langley Air Force Base for 30 years. He especially enjoyed being with his family at Buckroe Beach.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Wilson; brother, Marshall Wilson; and two sisters, Audrey Dyer and Beth Turner. He is survived by son, Greg Wilson; three grandchildren, Sarah Barnett, Natalie Hageman, and Maryl Richards; two great-grandchildren, Jesse Barnett and Lyle Hageman.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 20, 2017, 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, 110 E. Queen Street, Hampton with Rev. Candee Martin officiating. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery, Pembroke Avenue.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sentara CarePlex Hospital and Virginia Health Services Northampton Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center for their compassion and excellent care. The family also appreciates the support from relatives and friends through their prayers, concerns, phone calls, gifts, cards, and visits. May God richly bless you!

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.