Tommy Vernon

Tommy Vernon passed away July 10, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. William Thomas Vernon, Sr. was born September 4, 1968, to the late James Hiers and Marian Terry Vernon. He was born and raised in Darlington, South Carolina. He graduated from St. John’s High School in the class of 1987. It was his formative years where he formed several lifelong friendships. These friends were truly an exceptional group that remained close throughout their lives. Tommy cherished them all. Tommy worked hard. He spent many years in the soft drink industry. His job came to an end when his health would no longer allow, but he loved his company and the products he sold. He was a devoted associate of Quality Beverage for 16 years. He enjoyed playing golf, woodworking, hunting, and fishing. These traits, and his genuine love for the outdoors, came from his daddy. Tommy had a huge personality. He smiled a lot, laughed a lot, and his words for others were kind. He was smart, entertaining, and honest as the day is long. These traits came from his momma and his daddy. He loved watching Clemson play ball. There wasn’t but one way to cheer in the Vernon house and that was GO TIGERS, probably two of his favorite words. A few years ago, when Caleb played golf at Carolina, they all learned to say something else. It was hard, but Uncle Tommy did it! It was part of a devotion for his children, including his nieces and nephews, that was unwavering. He loved big, and he loved them all. In 1996 he married a beautiful girl named Debra McFarland. They had a great life, three children, many laughs, some cries, but all in all, it was everything he ever wanted. He wanted her by his side when the Lord called him home. She was. Those left to cherish his memory, in addition to his wife, Debra, are his three children, Tom King and wife Ashley, McClain Vernon, and William Thomas Vernon, Jr.; His brother, Jim Vernon; his sisters, Tricia Faithful and husband, Tom, Annette Patterson and husband, Ralph. His nieces and nephews, Jody, Matthew, Blake, Parker, Fleming, Christy, Amanda, Caleb, Becca, Colton, Noah, Tanner, Anna, and Forrest. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 3 PM at Trinity Methodist Church, 126 Pearl Street, Darlington, South Carolina. Tommy will be placed next to his parents, in a private ceremony, at Grove Hill Cemetery. Tommy grew up at The Darlington Country Club. It was here he learned to fellowship, swim, and play golf. In his honor his family will host a reception at the club immediately following the funeral. All are invited. The address is 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, SC 29532. Tommy himself suggested memorials be made to The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute in his memory. It was his hope and his prayer to eradicate this dreadful disease for future generations. You can donate online in his memory. https://cancer.uams.edu/get-involved/donate/ In the end, he fought the good fight, he finished the course, and he kept the faith.

Tommy Vernon

September 4, 1968 - July 10, 2025