of Chelsea, Michigan, age 90, died Sunday, June 26, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born September 29, 1931, in Hohenwald, TN, the son of James Richard and Etha Bell (Appleton) Woodward.
Vernon served in the Army during the Korean War, serving as a guard in Korea on Cheju-Do Island. He worked at the General Motors Assembly Division as a body repairman for 31 years, retiring in 1992. After his retirement, Vernon and Wilma bought a winter home in Florida where they spent the next 30 winters in their beloved Camp Florida Resort where they met and formed many close friendships with many of the residents. His background was the Baptist faith. Vernon enjoyed woodworking.
On December 27, 1957, Vernon married the love of his life, Wilma Dallas in Cornith, MS, and she survives. Vernon is also survived by his children, Larry Keith (Leslie) of Fenton and Sabrina Kay (Keith) O'Neil of Chelsea; a daughter in-law, Brenda Woodward Fetterly; a sister-in-law, Helen Woodward; four grandchildren, Tara-Sky (Andy) Woodward, Bruce (Rachel) Woodward, Amanda O’Neil, and Kevin O’Neil; four great-grandchildren, Aubrey Alford, Sage Alford, Buck Alford, Isabella O’Neil, and eagerly awaiting another great-grandchild later this summer. Vernon was proceeded in death by his parents; a son, Anthony “Tony” Dale; and his siblings, Roy, Elbert, AllenJ, Glenn, Hilda Brown, David, and Ola Adel.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 1, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, MI with Pastor Larry Lyons officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Thursday, 4-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice.
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