Vernon Alton Teel

Vernon Alton Teel, 92, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 2, 2026, 20 days shy of his 93rd birthday. He was a faithful husband and good father who always provided for his family. Even though he will be sadly missed, he will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 1:30 PM in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel, officiated by Pastor Jeff Manning. Burial will follow in Pinewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service Wednesday from 12:15 until 1:15 PM at the funeral home.
Vernon was a native of Pitt County, North Carolina and graduated from Grimesland High School in 1953. Originally from the Belvoir community, Vernon later lived in Greenville, Grimesland, and Newport News, Virginia when growing up. Upon graduation, he was drafted in the U. S. Army and was eventually stationed in Augsburg, Germany. After returning home he married the love of his life, Edna Smith, of Beaufort County. They settled in Greenville and were married for over 69 years. Vernon was a current member of Unity Church and attended regularly as long as his health permitted. In former churches, Vernon served faithfully in the bus ministry and as an usher. He retired from Eveready Battery (Union Carbide) after 34 years of service. During that time, he was a machine operator that made double A batteries and he had some of the highest production numbers in the Greenville factory. He had also proudly served as Greenville Reserve Police Officer.
Vernon was preceded in death by his father, Joe Nathan Teel (Sonny B.), mother, Mary Etta Andrews Moore, and brother, Earl Teel, all of Pitt County.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Ashley Teel (wife, Perri) of Jacksonville, FL, Dennis Teel of Greenville, Darlene Teel Fain (husband, Grady) of Clayton and Mark Teel of Ayden. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Megan Teel of Cary, NC, Michael Teel (wife, Courtney), Matthew Teel, Brittany Teel of Jacksonville, FL, Katie Fain Coggburn (husband, Thomas) and Kristina Fain all of Clayton, NC and Erik Fain of Raleigh, NC. He was blessed with six great grandsons: Jackson, Brantley, Austin, Caleb, Adam and Sawyer. Other surviving family members and friends are a sister-in-law, JoAnn Teel, two nephews, Ricky and Danny Teel, special nieces Judy Teel Overacre and Martha Smith Sullivan, faithful visitor and cousin, Brenda Woolard (husband, David) and close family friends, Angie Picton and Kenny Glisson.
Flowers are welcomed and donations may be made in his memory to Unity Church's Comfort & Joy Ministry at 4301 Charles Blvd., Greenville, NC 27858.