Archer “Vernon” Vann, Jr., passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the age of 84. He was a native of Hampton and was a resident of Newport News. Vernon began his career at the Newport News Shipyard and later worked at NASA, from which he retired as a Small Business Specialist. Vernon graduated from Old Dominion University with a degree in Business Management. He served in the Army and Air Force National Guard for 7 years. He was a long-standing member of the Hampton Yacht Club and served as Commodore and Secretary for many years.
Vernon loved boating, golfing, and going to his time-share in Myrtle Beach. He was outgoing, and some might say he was a “social butterfly.” He loved spending time with family and friends. Vernon’s legacy was in the relationships he made with everyone he encountered. From the stories he told to the advice he gave, everyone who met him was left with a mark and was better for knowing him.
Vernon was preceded in death by his father and mother, Archer and Margaret Vann, and two children, Michael Spankowski and Stephanie Hall. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Vann; two daughters, Sheri Vann and Laura Mallory (James); his brother, Thomas A. Vann (Pam); five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A special thanks to all the staff and doctors at the Gardens at Warwick Forest.
A Celebration of Vernon’s Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in Vernon’s memory to the Hampton Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program, 4707 Victoria Boulevard, Hampton, Virginia 23369 (https://www.hamptonyc.com/).
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I was so lucky to know Vernon. Sheri has been my best, better, bestest friend since the 5th grade (a loooong time ago!), so I had the privilege of spending many wonderful times with him over the years.
Vernon was such a fun, funny, and genuinely kind man who always made everyone feel welcome. Some of my favorite memories are sitting on the back patio, sharing good seafood and wine, telling stories and jokes until our faces were red, tears were streaming down our cheeks, and our bellies hurt from laughing. Those are the memories I’ll always treasure.
He clearly loved his family with all his heart, and it was a joy to see the special bond he and Sheri shared. Fifty-six years with such an incredible dad is a true blessing.
I know his Celebration of Life is going to be packed – I will be there. Vernon touched so many lives. He mentored, he led, and he made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Fair winds and following seas, Vernon. You will be deeply missed by so many.
Love you xoxoxo