Charles Ray "Chuck" Vernon

Charles Ray Vernon (Chuck), age 80, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Chuck was born in Flint, Michigan on March 28, 1945 to Allan and Aletha (McNally) Vernon. He graduated from New Lothrop High School, Class of 1963, where he played football. On July 18, 1964, he married the love of his life, Judith Leitow, in Chesaning. Chuck and Judy met each other in the third grade. They later settled in Flushing, where they raised their family and built a life together before retiring.

Chuck dedicated 40 years of hard work as a Millwright at GM Truck and Bus on Bristol Road before retiring in 2002. In retirement, he and Judy began a new and happy chapter in Kalkaska.

In his younger years Chuck was an avid outdoorsman who loved duck hunting, walleye fishing and camping. He stayed active throughout his life. He enjoyed running, cycling, umpiring baseball, as well as playing and refereeing hockey. He was also known to be able to fix anything and everything with old hockey sticks and Gorilla glue.

In retirement, Chuck was able to focus on his woodworking, which was one of his greatest passions. He especially enjoyed turning bowls on the lathe, creating projects, and being an active member of the Northwestern Michigan Woodturners Club, where he served as Treasurer. He found great joy in sharing his talents and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help with a project, whether it be woodworking, remodeling a bathroom or fixing a car.

Chuck truly never met a stranger. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and was well known for always having a joke ready and a story to share. His warm personality, quick wit, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Chuck also volunteered his time preparing income taxes for seniors and teaching high school students about woodworking. He was deeply involved in the revitalization of Sands Park at Manistee Lake, helping bring the park back to life. He loved being a mentor and made a meaningful impact on many people throughout his life.

Chuck is lovingly survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy; his children, Kim (Mike) Hill, Michael Vernon, and Tom (Jennifer) Vernon; grandchildren Meghan Vernon, Amanda (Ray) Nelson, Devin (Emily) Hill, Maicee (Que) Hill, Taylor Mitchell, Hayden Vernon, and Holly Vernon; and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Deborah (William) Robinson and Marsha Anger, and his sister-in-law Kathy Vernon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronald Vernon, and his sister Susan Vernon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.