George Brackett Vernon, Jr.

George "Brad" Brackett Vernon, Jr., 53, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, at UNC REX Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Born on May 9, 1971, in Wurzburg, Germany, Brad was the son of George Brackett Vernon of Kannapolis, NC, and Elsie Greene Stokes of Hamlet, NC. He attended Southern Nash High School in Bailey, Northern Nash High School in Rocky Mount, and James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville. A talented athlete and musician, he played high school baseball and was a trumpet player in the Northern Nash Marching Knights.

Brad built a diverse career working in residential and commercial construction, serving as a first mate on fishing boats out of Wilmington and Carolina Beach, and working in auto sales. He embraced life fully and cherished time spent with family, friends, and his beloved dogs, Annabella and Cobie. Known for his fearless spirit and competitive nature, Brad had a passion for fishing, hunting, and tracking. His quick wit and selfless generosity left a lasting impact on those around him. He was a proud father, a doting grandfather, and an affectionate husband.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Shellie Vernon of Princeton; his cherished daughter, Emily Long (Cody) of Kenly; mother, Elsie Stokes (Jimmie) of Wallace; father, George Vernon (Chong) of Salisbury; sister, Diana Michelle Vernon of Chicago, IL; brothers Jamie Vernon (Cara) of Raleigh, James Vernon (Michelle) of Atlanta, and Shaun Hathaway (Christin) of Holly Springs; and grandchildren Caitlyn and Mason. He was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Vesta Vernon and George and Sadie Greene; aunt Barbara Wilhite; and uncles James L. Vernon and Wade Vernon.

A memorial service will be held on April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Refuge Church, 3720 South Hathaway Blvd., Sharpsburg, NC 27878. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brad's memory to The Kids Fishing Foundation, North Carolina Hunters for the Hungry, The American Pit Bull Foundation, Tar River Youth Baseball Club, or the UNC Health Foundation.