Vernon Wilson II's Obituary
Vernon Wilson II, 66, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
Vern was born to Vernon and Madonna on May 23, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the sixth of nine children. After graduating high school, Vern went on to earn his Associate’s Degree in Electronics from Lees Junior College, and then went on to join the United States Air Force where he served for 22 years and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant. After he retired from the military, Vern went on to hold various intelligence positions with Northrup Grumman, Raytheon, and TASC. For the last 15 years, Vern served as an Intelligence Analyst on the Joint Staff. He was responsible for managing Joint Staff interactions with the National Security Agency addressing requirements validation, capability development and system acquisition in support of the National, Defense, and Military Strategies. He was also in charge of on-boarding new personnel, security management, and IT interactions with multiple support agencies/offices.
Vern is survived by his wife of 40 years, Donna; his six children, Chris, Becky (Michael), Nick (Olivia), Bethany (Spencer), Nathaniel, Zack; and grandson, Austin. He is also survived by his siblings, Evelyn (Dave), Patricia, Dan (Jan), Charlotte, Paulette (Greg), Charles, and Eugene (Esther); his mother-in-law Janet; and several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Vern was predeceased by his parents, Vernon and Madonna, his brother Donnie, his brother-in-law Pete, and his father-in-law Garth.
With six kids, Vern did not have a lot of free time. But in the few spare moments he did have, he enjoyed working on cars, reading, playing word games, cheering on the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers, telling terrible dad jokes, and poking fun at his sons-in-law. Taking an interest in his kids, he was a T-ball coach, basketball coach, Scout Leader, and even Santa Claus on occasion. He most recently enjoyed playing and watching Mickey Mouse with his grandson.
Vern will be interred at Quantico National Cemetery, July 21, 2023 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Vern’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, The Gary Sinise Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), or the charity of your choice.
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