IRVINGTON—Lifelong Irvington resident Vernon Delhart Bryant passed away of natural causes on April 21, 2020, at the age of 82.
Vernon was born in Irvington, November 27, 1937, the first son of Otha D. Bryant and Gladys Jones Bryant. Except during the war years, when he lived in Copeland Park, Newport News, Vernon lived in Irvington all of his life.
He attended White Stone High School and was a member of the next to the last graduating class. During his high school years, Vernon was a member of the school band, safety patrol and drama club, served on the school newspaper, the “Walkie-Talkie,” participated in wood craft shop, played several sports and served as a class officer. During his growing-up years, he was a Boy Scout, Explorer and Sea Scout.
Upon graduation from White Stone High School, he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) as a member of the ROTC Corps of Cadets. After completing studies at VPI, Vernon served in the U.S. Coast Guard aboard the cutter Chincoteague. His ship routinely patrolled coastal waters between Newfoundland and the Caribbean Islands.
After completing four years with the Coast Guard, Vernon went to work at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, where he worked in the engine department on some of the first nuclear powered ships, including the aircraft carrier Enterprise. He spent the next couple of decades working at Southside Marine in Urbanna, and spent his final working years at Tiffany Yachts in Glebe Point. Vernon loved working at Tiffany Yachts and especially enjoyed his friendships with Tiffany and Randy Cockrell and all of his co-workers. Vernon often said it was the best job he ever had.
Vernon loved each of his close friends, including Gail Warwick, Owen Shultz, Sue and Charles Dameron, Mary Pittman, and cherished the members of the Irvington United Methodist Church. He was lifelong friends with Sonny Hearold.
He was predeceased by his wife, Gertrude; both parents, and by his beloved feline sole mates “Squeaky,” “Sissy” and “Blackie.”
He leaves behind his special pal, “Sidney.” He is survived by a brother, Jimmy and wife Kathy of Lincoln, Calif.; two nieces, Anne Bryant and Sarah Bryant of Jacksonville, Fla.; and by four cousins.
The family wishes to extend a very special “thank you” to the doctors, nurses and staff at Bon Secours, at both Kilmarnock and Mechanicsville, for the exceptional care they provided to Vernon during his brief hospital stay. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
