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McCAY VERNON Obituary
VERNON Dr. McCAY VERNON Dr. McCay Vernon, an iconic figure in the fields of deafness and psychology, passed from life on August 28, 2013 at age 84. His exploration of the psychological aspects of deafness, his challenges to poor educational and mental health services for people who are deaf, and his advocacy of legal rights for people who are deaf extended throughout his nearly 60-year career in those fields. His lasting legacy includes the many former students and colleagues now serving in the fields of deafness and psychology. Dr. Vernon was born at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. to Colonel Percy Vernon and Teresa Preble Vernon. Upon his father's death, the family moved to St. Augustine where he attended Ketterlinus High School. He entered the Army at age 17 and served with military intelligence in Korea. Upon his discharge, he obtained his bachelor's degree at the University of Florida and later earned Master's degrees from Gallaudet University and Florida State University. He completed his doctoral work in Psychology at Claremont Graduate University in California. Vernon was author of five books in the field of deafness, over 250 journal articles, and an award-winning public television documentary, "They Grow in Silence." After serving in a number of schools for the deaf, he became head of a research project on deafness at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. Later he was instrumental in establishing a graduate program at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) to prepare professionals to work with individuals who are deaf. He was active in the field of deaf/blindness and served on the board of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. In more recent times he focused on his forensic practice in which he became a strong advocate for justice and legal rights for people who are deaf. He was always a strong advocate for the use of sign language. Among the many awards Vernon received during his career were The American Psychological Association Award for "Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest," the Medal of Honor from the British Association of the Deaf, the Declaration of Merit from the World Federation of the Deaf, and the American Psychiatric Association Award for "Career Contributions to Mental Health and Deafness." He received Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees from Gallaudet University and McDaniel College. Vernon was predeceased by his first wife, Edith Goldston Vernon, who was deaf and played a vital role in his career. Through her, he gained critical insights into the needs of people who are deaf. With his second wife, the former Marie vonGunten, he co-authored two books on serial killers, one of whom was deaf. Dr. Vernon is survived by his wife, Marie; his daughter, Eve Vernon Peters and son-in-law Brian Peters, of Riverton, New Jersey; brother, Col. (ret.) Graham Vernon of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; sister, Terese Vernon Douglass (Dexter) of Tallahassee; and stepchildren Dr. Jean Aims (Clifford) of Smithfield, Virginia, Hollace Feist (Rodney) of St. Augustine, Florida, Wade Wisner (Lucy) of Dandridge, Tennessee, Roger Wisner of Long Beach, California, Dr. Priscilla Wisner (Joe) of Knoxville, Tennessee and Patricia Miller (Cameron) of Reisterstown, Maryland. His family wishes to thank the staff of the Northeast Florida Community Hospice and the Bailey Center for Caring in St. Augustine for their many kindnesses during Dr. Vernon's final illness. No memorial service is planned at this time. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may contribute to the Dr. McCay Vernon Fund for Support of Deaf Education, McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster, MD 21157. Craig Funeral Home www.craigfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for McCAY VERNON
DORIS RASKIN
August 23, 2025
Treasured memories kindled often. So kind and caring!
Janice Cagan-Teuber
August 23, 2023
Ten years, already! Your work lives on, McCay.
Debra Radcliffe-Borsch
August 23, 2023
I think of Dr. Vernon often and can't believe that he has been gone 10 years. I still tell the story of how he shook his finger in my face and said, "You'd be good working with the deaf! Take sign language classes!" I was a junior at Western Maryland College at the time. He motivated me to get up a petition to have a sign language class in the spring semester, taught by David Denton, superintendent of MSD. I remembered about 50 signs from that first class and still remember signing "Joy to the World, all the boys and girls, joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me." That was more than 50 years ago. Dr. Vernon was instrumental in getting me a job at Gallaudet College by convincing the Dean of Women, Lottie Riekehof, to call me and ask me to come to work in the dorms, where I would interpret student phone calls (before relay services). My lifelong profession. I am ready to retire from interpreting this year. Thank you, Dr. Vernon!
Doris
August 23, 2022
Missing Mac.
How you can show support
Louise A Montoya
August 23, 2022
I agree! now its 9 years since Mac's passing. He was a great mentor -- encourager in chief! I credit my career and the work I've done in the Deaf community to Mac's mentorship and encouragement of me throughout my early career. Great researcher, even better mentor! Phenomenal contributions to the field of Deaf Psychology!
Corinne Vinopol
August 23, 2022
There are some people whose impact is so strong that their passing cannot disrupt it. One of Mac's enduring legacies was mentoring so many people to higher levels of achievement and contribution. Understanding how his selflessness influenced my life keeps me mindful of my obligation to accept and pass the torch.
Corinne Vinopol
August 23, 2020
It is hard to believe that it has been seven years since Mac's passing. He turned the course of my life dramatically for the better through his unrelenting mentoring, advocacy, and encouragement. When my life is blessed with small and large successes, I always recall that these would not have been realized without his belief in my capabilities. This story is echoed in the recollections told by so many others. It is humbling to realize that one person can make such a huge impact upon so many people, and that this impact can be felt long after he has left us all. Now, it is our obligation to continue his legacy through professional service and mentoring forward. He is missed...
Elizabeth Richardson
June 29, 2014
MCCay Vernon will truly be missed, an advocate, teacher, and friend to many.
Chris Fetzer
October 19, 2013
I just learned of Dr. Vernon's passing. I was a student in the WMC Graduate Deaf Education Program in the late 1980s. Dr. Vernon was such a positive and encouraging person and a very engaging instructor. As many prestigious recognitions he had at the time, I felt as if he treated me as a colleague. I will always remember him for that. I have been in Deaf Education for 25 years now, the past 20 at the Indiana School for the Deaf. Dr. Vernon continues to be someone whose character I strive emulate in my teaching. His memory will always be with me.
Chris Fetzer
Tovah Wax
September 26, 2013
I join the legions of those who are proud to call Dr. Vernon (my first) mentor and guide in this field of mental health and deafness. Our paths crossed more than once and each time was a productive pleasure.
Scotty Roberge
September 25, 2013
A wonderful man with sense of humor and a mischievous little boy attitude. He was serious, knowledgeable humble and loved life.
Judy Harkins
September 25, 2013
Mac Vernon's passing is such a great loss to those whose lives he influenced in countless ways.
Mac was always ahead of his time. One of the most significant things he did as a professor, in my experience, was to bring deaf people into the classes at Western Maryland College, so that we hearing students would learn directly from them. His passion for equality for deaf people was contagious.
As someone else has noted in this guestbook, he did more for me than anyone except my parents. His self-deprecating sense of humor made him approachable to all. He was just one of a kind.
Deepest condolences to Marie, Eve, Norm Tully (his lifelong friend), and the rest of the family.
Jack Clifton
September 19, 2013
Dr. McCay was one of my P. E. teachers when I attended Texas School f/t Deaf (TSD) in Austin, Texas. TSD might be one of a few first deaf schools he came to work with the deaf students. I was impressed with his sign skills when he told us he was not deaf. Back in early 1950's, a hearing person with excellent sign skills was very rare and unique. I was about ten yr old when he worked at TSD. When I talked with him, I always forgot he wasn't deaf. He signed so well and understood us as deaf students. We became attached to him, maybe more than with others, who were deaf. He was very sensitive, caring, and taught us not to be better than the others because of what I had that the others didn't have. When I became a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, I read a couple of his books and many journals he wrote. He knew what he wrote about. Every time I read his journals, I always felt like we talked to each others. I have many good memories with him as my P. E. teacher. He was a great man, teacher, and friend! Thank you, Dr. McCay and for your friendship.
William Crume
September 19, 2013
All I knew him through Louise, my late wife who seek for counseling job and her witness: She was hired on the spot after Dr. Vernon, while talking over the phone, watched Louise observing at his bookcase. After done with phone, Dr. Vernon asked her what she was impressed. Louise said, "Torn out Bible of yours". Then, he said, "You are hired now."
Mary Ann and Carl Kraft
September 12, 2013
Our sincere condolences to your family. Dr. Vernon was a kind, gracious man to make time in his busy schedule at Western Maryland College to meet with us shortly after we'd learned of our two sons were deaf and hard-of-hearing. His passing is a great loss to the deaf community.
Jean Andrews
September 4, 2013
Mac was influential in setting up our masters and doctoral programs at Lamar in Deaf Education. He visited and served on students committes and followed to support their careers as well. We will miss him, his expertise and support,
Janice & Rudd Garrett
September 4, 2013
Dr. Vernon was one of a kind. As young parents whose deaf son was diagnosed with Usher's Syndrome, we received personal help from Dr. Vernon when there was so little information available. He befriended us for many years. We will never forget his kindness and support.
Pamela Ryan
September 3, 2013
Dr. Vernon will be greatly missed by all those knew him personally and by all those who knew him through his life-long devotion and work with the Deaf community. For those of us who had him as a professor, he has left a lasting mark.
Thinking of Dr. Vernon's family and friends at this difficult time.
Bill McCrone
September 2, 2013
No one I know pushed and pulled the world in a positive direction more than Mac Vernon. Curious, dedicated, driven,...and responsible for an army of good folks in the service of Deaf people. I am eternally grateful for his friendship.
Doris
September 2, 2013
Mac did so much good. He earned his wings. He will be so missed by all who knew him and by those who had no idea he was working for them. He was such a good man.
Jenny Palmer
September 1, 2013
Dr. Vernon is the reason I found my "home" at FSDB! He was my professor at Western Maryland College and upon my graduation he strongly encouraged me to make St. Augustine my home. I have been teaching at FSDB for 30 years now.
I remember when he surprised me my 2nd year of teaching by stoping by my classroom. That meant so much to me!!!
He was an awesome professor, mentor, and person! He made a big difference in my life and I am forever grateful.
My condolences to his family.
Rest in peace Dr. Vernon.
Steve Edwards and family
September 1, 2013
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Dr. Frank Lala
August 31, 2013
Thanks for telling me that I am special and gifted. I ended up working in the deaf field for 20 years.
Now I am leader and role model in the deaf community.
Your fight for deaf's mental health services will continue!
Now I am President of Georgia Association of the Deaf I will fight for our rights to MH/Substance Abuse services!
Rest in Peace.
Arthur Dignan
August 30, 2013
Dr. McCay Vernon was almost Deaf himself due to his love for Deaf people. He did a lot of research just to help with better education for the Deaf people.
August 30, 2013
Also, he once was deeply involved in making an experimental film with the cast of NTD focusing on Deaf Humor. He was a great fan of ours. We will always miss him.
Arthur Dignan
August 30, 2013
Dr. McCay Vernon was almost like Deaf himself.
Art Dignan
August 30, 2013
Dr.McCay Vernon was almost like Deaf himself.
August 30, 2013
Dr. McCay Vernon was almost like Deaf himself.
August 30, 2013
My condolences for your loss. May you find comfort, from family, friends and the God of all comfort. "He is giving support to all who are falling and is raising up all who are bowed down" Psalm 145:14 He will sustain you until that day that he will swallow up death forever.
T.C.
August 30, 2013
It is quite evident that Dr. Vernon must have touched the lives of many in a positive way. May you all cherish the precious memories of him with full confidence that he is very much alive in God's memory also.
August 30, 2013
Dr. Vernon touched more lives than anyone will ever know. He inspired me through his writing and teaching. I would call him a hero to all who care for equality and understanding. His legacy lives on. Peg Harmon Tucson AZ
SHAYNE JOHNSTON
August 30, 2013
DR VERNON WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AT CSDR.
HE WILL BE MISSED. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
SEND HIS FAMILY MY CONDOLENCES
gertha
August 30, 2013
Forgot to mention this important issue. He brought both of his teams to winning season. Won the Mason-Dixie Basketball Tournament in 1954, I think. He was very proud.
gertha wise-kurtz
August 30, 2013
I along with other FSDB were very proud of MacKay as he first came ot our deaf school. Actually he came to blind scholl and changed his mind and came to the deaf department. Maybe you were not aware that he was even the football and basketball coach. My former husband, Gene Kurtz was a big time favorite athlete that he kept talking about him all the time to his first wife and the others. We all will miss him. A very nice gentleman!!
August 30, 2013
Gene Bergman and I are forever indebted to Dr. Vernon for the foreword he wrote for our published play "Tales from a Clubroom." We will both remember and miss him.
Jean Andrews
August 30, 2013
Mac was a dear friend, colleague, and collaborator. His impact on my career and my students and colleagues careers is immeasurable. Most of all, he was "a great guy" fun to talk to and work with, who supported us all in our career goals.
Michael Williams
August 30, 2013
Mac was a great human being and it was always a pleasure to be with him.
Richard Willis
August 30, 2013
Dr.McCay Vernon, fondly known to many of us as 'Mac', was a profound and positive influence on my development as a clinical psychologist and in better understanding the the psychological and social impacts of prelingual Deafness and importance of Deaf Culture. He helped me better understand the value and meaning of Deafness in my own family and how to translate these insights into more effective psychological practice.
He will be greatly missed.
My best wishes to Marie and all the remainder of his family who are sufferring. I hope you all find the emotional support and spiritual nuturance you need during this time of grief.
Sincerly,
Richard Willis,Psy.D.
Noreen Collins
August 30, 2013
I didn't know Dr. Vernon personally, but always read anything he wrote, and so appreciated his commitment to advocacy and excellence. I was fortunate to have one of his good friends, Dr. Norm Tully, as a professor at Gallaudet, and then worked with Dr. Eugene Mindel (co-author of "They Grow in Silence") in Chicago at Michael Reese Hospital., so always felt that I was, in a small way, connected to him. Be at peace, Dr. Vernon
CJ Godwin
August 30, 2013
May my sympathy step beyond where words can go.
Marsha Sandusky
August 29, 2013
Dr. Vernon was my English Teacher at CSDR when I was in High School. I worked with him in Vocational Class. After he left, we kept in touch with letters. He told me he enjoyed playing golf with his friend Norman Tully who was my former Reading Teacher in Junior High School. I am sorry to hear of his passing, please accept my deapest sympathy to his family and I will always remember him as my wonderful teacher.
Frank Nemshick
August 29, 2013
I have known Dr. Vernon ever since he was one of the main speakers at a 1980 workshop in Harrisburg, PA on the mentaI health needs of deaf persons. I also met him at Western Maryland College in estminster, MD, in the early 1980's, where my daughter Louise (Montoya) was a student majoring in psychology. She and I -- a deaf member and longtime advocate of the PA Society for the Advancement of the Deaf -- are deeply aware of Dr. Vernon's important contributions toward understanding deaf persons and providing for their needs.
Louise Montoya
August 29, 2013
How fitting that Mac leaves us on a day where we remember the occasion of Martin Luther King Jr's Dream speech. Truly there is an analogy to be made between Dr King's impact and the seminal impact of Mac's influence on the lives of real people who are deaf and deaf-blind over the past 50 years, as well as the lives of the many deaf people each of us has touched and will touch in our careers going forward. Mac, your consistent positive regard for me, for others, over my career helped me believe I could make a difference, I had something to contribute, and something I owe to others. You are an icon and pioneer in the lives of deaf and deaf-blind people, children and their families. You were my first and lifelong mentor (outside of my parents). I miss your persistent pesky humor and pushing for more and better! My deepest sympathy goes to Marie, his children and family, along with my heartfelt thanks for sharing Mac with us over the years. Having parents who also did a lot for the community, I know well the sacrifices you must have made to allow Mac to share his talents, positive encouragement, and ingenuity with us for so long. RIP Mac. Go to God with our love!
Debra Radcliffe-Borsch
August 29, 2013
My most sincere condolences! Mac Vernon is the reason I have been a sign language interpreter for 40 years. He introduced students at Western Maryland College to the Deaf community and what a wonderful eye-opening experience that was! He will be missed tremendously! Sympathies go out to Mac's daughter (I have forgotten her name) and Marie.
Debbie Shahady
August 29, 2013
Dr. Mac taught many of us when we were his students at Western Maryland College. He taught how to be who we are as a deaf person and be successful. Thank you, Dr. Mac Vernon! Condolences to the family.
Alice Hagemeyer
August 29, 2013
My sincerest sympathy to the family. I have been fortunate to have known him since our college days at Gallaudet and later as colleagues who know about library values for the deaf. I have all of his books he (and co-authors) wrote. My treasure for the preservation of our deaf history. Thank you for all you did.
Sandra Russell
August 29, 2013
May Dr. Vernon be rest in peace! You will be missed by former CSDR students in Riverside, CA. I send my condolences to his family and close friends.
Darlene Prickett
August 29, 2013
Mac was such a sweet man, I remember him with great fondness and I'm so glad I knew him. My condolences to his family.
Mary Balsley
August 29, 2013
It would be very difficult to replace him because of his extensive work for the deaf community. I hope that his foundation would help increase employment opportunities for deaf people who want to focus on deaf issues.
August 29, 2013
My dearest sympathy to you and your family. I had heard alot about him through my deceased husband who was student under him and he admired his wonderful teachings long time ago.
Joan Snyder
Delavan, Wisconsin
Linda Cummings
August 29, 2013
Rest in Peace Dr. Vernon! You will be missed by many former students at CSDR in Riverside, California. Last time I saw him at Gallaudet in 1979.
Martha Scribner
August 29, 2013
He will be sorely missed. I have high respect for his work.
Richard White
August 29, 2013
Dr. Mccay Vernon was a very special person. His contributions to the field of deafness and psychology was tremendous.I was fortunate to have him as one my professors when I was a graduate student at Gallaudet.I will miss my mentor and my friend.
I offer my sincere condolences to his family
August 29, 2013
Mac was a wonderful mentor and inspiration to many of us! He brought me into the field in 1977 and changed the course of my life, suggesting that I spend that summer at Camp Greentop with deaf children.
Corinne Vinopol
August 29, 2013
Mac's professional legacies are not just his innumerable highly respected writings and relentless advocacy, but also the deeply personal interest that he took in so many budding professionals. He consistently pushed many of us beyond the bounds of professional growth of which we felt capable or possible, and therefore, richly deserves more than a significant piece of the credit for whatever we have been able to achieve. There are few like him. With deepest sympathies...
Rebecca Moreland
August 29, 2013
Mac was not only special to the professional communities that he served, but was so very dear to the friends of his youth and then to those of us who came to know and love him through our parents. His keen insight and interest in my life choices and career have been invaluable. I can never repay his energy and kindness that he shared with me and my family. We will honor his memory and celebrate his spirit for many years to come. With deepest sympathy and love to Marie and Mac's family.
Sincerely, Dr. Rebecca (Becky) Moreland
Janice Cagan-Teuber
August 29, 2013
Dr. Vernon will be missed. His contributions about and to the Deaf community will always be remembered.
Carol Houston
August 29, 2013
What a marvelous man who truly "Paid It Forward." Marie, behind every good man is a woman helping him along. You truly did that.
Missed the two of you when you left Turtle Shores.
Marie take good care of yourself.
Fondly.
Carol Houston
1101 Plantation Island Dr. S #104
St. Augustine Fl. 32080
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