Vernon Claude Williams Sr.

Vernon Claude Williams, Sr., son of the late William C. and Lillian Edith Williams was born on December 9, 1955, in Queens, New York. He grew up in Jamaica, New York and graduated from Bishop Reilly High School, where he was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Vernon transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park where he majored in Chinese and Business Administration. At the University of Maryland, he met his wife of 46 years, Denise M. Peyton. The union was blessed with three (3) children, Vernon Jr.; Tracey (Frederick) Thomas; and Adam (Brooke). His pride and joy were his six (6) grandchildren: Jazz Alexis, Mehkai Camille, Frederick Riley, Taylor Nicole, Kinsley Harper, and Avery Corrinne. In 1978, Vernon joined the U.S. Army serving in the Prime Power Production program. He served honorably until August 1988. His career in the Army as a Prime Power Production Specialist took him all over the country and various places overseas. He served as Instructor CRS in this field at Fort Belvoir, VA and developed the System Development training. He received several medals and commendations during this time e Army Service Ribbon/National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, as well as numerous certifications to include; 1st Class Power Engineer- National Institute for the Uniform/Licensing of Power Engineers, and Master Electrician - State of Maryland. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for outstanding meritorious service as an Instructor in the Electrical Training section. His technical knowledge, professionalism and ingenuity provided an immediate solution to the instructor shortage. Vernon was able to put numerous training centers into operation that had been out of service for multiple years. His contributions provided a lasting atmosphere of excellence for future electrical students. Upon separation from the Army, he entered the corporate world where he held various managerial positions in the electrical engineering field. Vernon loved people and had the gift of gab. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, even standing in the U.S. Customs line. He loved all things IT and loved serving on the Audio-Visual Team at Woodstream Church in Bowie, MD, where he had been a member for over 30 years. He was "very proud that he and his family attended Woodstream. Every chance he had he would invite someone to visit his church. Vernon also was a member of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and often provided IT support for these meetings. He was an instructor for the Better Way Group at Pilgrim Rest Church. Vernon said, often, how he wanted to serve, to be the type of servant spoken of in the bible. He and his wife, Denise belonged to the Wine & Words Book club, an activity they enjoyed doing together for over 16 years. The two enjoyed traveling, where Vernon began every trip with, “Are you ready for our new adventure?". His biggest joy was his three children and six grandchildren. He loved bragging that he had six grandkids, and spent every moment he could attending their games, competitions, birthday parties, helping to move his oldest grandchild, Jazz on and off campus, and enjoyed his holidays and dinner events with them. He always tried to make these events special, where he might cook his prize leg of lamb, prime rib, and stuffed fish. Vernon loved his extended family to include his father and mother-in-law Albert and Irene Peyton, his brother-in-law Albert (Lori), keeping in touch with his cousins in Suffolk, VA and New York, and a host of other family and friends from his Army days. Vernon will be sorely missed by his family and friends. We like to think he's gone ahead to some beautiful white sandy beach, located the perfect spot and set up the beach chairs, basking in the sun, starting another adventure!

Vernon Claude Williams Sr.

December 9, 1955 - May 20, 2022