Jimmy Ray Vernon

Surrounded by his family and loved ones, Jimmy Ray Vernon, 70, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 29, 2023.  Throughout the years, Jimmy was a beacon of light and touched the lives of not just his family and friends, but every person he came in contact with.  Jimmy is survived by his wife, and the love of his life, Rita Vernon; his children, Cleo Vernon and her boyfriend, David Farley, Robert Vernon and his wife Savannah; his precious grandchildren, William “Liam” Goad, Eloise Vernon, Willow Farley, and Kaitlynn Farley; his stepchildren, Charlie Sechrist and wife Tina, Andy Sechrist and wife Brandi, Eddie Sechrist and wife Melissa; and several step-grandchildren.  Also left to cherish his memory is his nephew, Matthew Hall; his brothers David Vernon, and Tim Vernon and his wife Peggy, and his sister, Mary Anne Hall and her husband Michael.  Jimmy was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina on September 26, 1952, to Otis and Viola Vernon. Jimmy grew up in Cana, Virginia and attended Carroll County High School where he decided to pursue a career in automotive service.  He devoted 48 years of service to Scenic Ford in Mount Airy, North Carolina where he met a lot of people that he considered his friends and extended family.  In his spare time, it was not odd to find Jimmy doing what he loved.  He fished tournaments with various Bass angler clubs within the community and had been on several hunting expeditions throughout the states, but most of all, Jimmy loved to spend time with his family, whom he loved dearly.  Jimmy always took every opportunity to teach his children the importance of hard work, honesty, and putting faith in Christ.  Jimmy was proceeded in death by his parents, Otis and Viola Vernon, and his nephew, John Michael Hall.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel with services being conducted by the Rev. Butch Holder and the Rev. Butch Spurlin, with a graveside service to follow at the McCraw Family Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Monday night from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Rd., Dobson, NC 27017.  North Carolina.  Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.