October 1, 2026
“...Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8
After a lifetime of faithfully serving the Lord, Dr. Joe Vernon of Cleveland, Georgia went from grace to glory on September 4, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on July 30, 1935, in Forsyth County, Georgia, he was the son of Mr. Kimsey Odell Vernon and Mrs. Dessie Armintie (Major) Vernon. His father, Kimsey, worked as a sharecropper, while his mother, Dessie, devoted herself to caring for their home and family. He was the youngest of eight children and was raised on a hardworking farm and a close-knit family.
In 1952, his life changed forever when he met Phyllis Joanne Strickland of Alpharetta, Georgia. On June 12th, 1954, they exchanged vows and began a lifetime of love and devotion that would span more than 72 years—with God at the center of their marriage. Joe and Phyllis walked hand in hand through many seasons of life, making their home in several states and faithfully going where the Lord called them. Along the way, the Lord blessed them with three beautiful daughters and a family that would continue to grow for generations to come. Dr. Joe Vernon proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1961. It was during his years of service that the Lord placed a calling upon his heart to preach the Gospel. Joe answered that call and began what would become a lifetime devoted to Christian ministry.
While raising a young family and serving his country, Dr. Joe Vernon attended Truett McConnell College in Cleveland, Ga and earned his Associate of Arts degree. During those years, he began serving as pastor of Nacoochee Baptist in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia. Two years later, he furthered his education at the University of Georgia and earned his Bachelor's degree in Education. His love for serving others extended beyond the walls of the church. Beginning in 1959, Dr. Joe Vernon taught school in Hall County, touching the lives of students from elementary school through high school, while also faithfully serving as pastor of Flat Creek Baptist Church.
In 1967, the Lord’s calling led Dr. Joe Vernon and his family into yet another chapter as he pursued seminary and continued a life dedicated to sharing God’s Word.
In 1967, Dr. Joe Vernon and his family moved to Collins, Mississippi. He commuted to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned his Master’s degree in Theology in 1970, graduating with honors and excelling in the study of Hebrew. His gift of language led him to serve as a fellow under his Hebrew professor while attending seminary. During those years, he continued faithfully serving the Lord as pastor of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church in Collins, Mississippi.
Following graduation, Dr. Joe Vernon was called to serve as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Winter Park, Florida, and later continued his ministry at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. While serving in Rome, his love for learning and ministry led him once again to further his education. In 1975, he attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he received his Doctorate of Ministry.
From 1977 to 1984, Dr. Joe Vernon served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Sweetwater in Longwood, Florida. In 1984, the Lord led Joe and his family back to Georgia, where he served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Chatsworth until 1989.
In 1989, Dr. Joe Vernon returned to the mountains of North Georgia to serve as Mountain Area Missionary for the Georgia Baptist Convention for twelve years. During that time, his ministry reached far beyond the walls of any church. He served in numerous congregations as interim pastor and traveled throughout Northeast Georgia preaching the Gospel, encouraging churches, and serving wherever the Lord opened a door.
After twelve years of faithfully serving for the Georgia Baptist Convention, Dr. Joe Vernon was called to serve as pastor of Shoal Creek Baptist Church, where he remained for ten years and became affectionately known and dearly loved as “Preacher Joe.” Following his time at Shoal Creek, Preacher Joe officially retired, though retirement never truly meant retiring from the ministry he loved so dearly. His calling to preach and serve the Lord remained steadfast; he continued filling pulpits, preaching God’s word, and serving churches throughout the area. Even into the final months of his life, he remained faithful to the ministry the Lord had placed upon his heart so many years before, preaching and serving until the Lord called him home.
Beyond the pulpit, Joe was a faithful and devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished Grandaddy. Those who knew Preacher Joe best will remember not only the preacher behind the pulpit, but the Daddy and Grandaddy he was away from it. He found great joy in the quiet moments spent on his farm, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation and the land of the free that he loved so dearly. He never took for granted the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives for our country to provide the freedom that we get to enjoy daily; he was a true patriot and veteran. He loved working with his hands, watching his cows, and simply being at home on the farm. Those who knew him well also knew there was just one way to do things, and that was his way. His family treasured his humor and his quick wit. He was quick to laugh and quick to pray, and he always seemed to have just the right words of wisdom and encouragement at exactly the right moment. He loved time spent with his family and took great pride in watching it grow through generations. Above all, Joe’s life was a reflection of his steadfast faith and unwavering devotion to the Lord. He lived faithfully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and service that will continue for generations to come.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
Dr. Joe Vernon was preceded in heaven by his parents, Kimsey Odell Vernon and Dessie Armintie (Major) Vernon; his seven siblings, Irene Anderson, Bud Vernon, Ivan Vernon, Clifton Vernon, Dorothy Rendleman, Lynn Vernon, and Melba Castleberry; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 72 years, Phyllis Vernon; his three daughters, Janna Vernon, Jenni Shepherd, and Sherri (Dan) Armistead; eight grandchildren, Joel (Beth) Hildebran, J’May (Timothy) McConnell, Holly (Andrew) Morris, Christina Armistead, Mary (Michael Rice) Armistead, John (Marie) Armistead, Tony Tavizon, and Joseph Tavizon; and ten great-grandchildren, Audrey (Austin) Payne, Kimsey (Grant) Vines, Lance Hildebran, Joshua Morris, Nathalie Morris, Lucy Morris, Harper Hildebran, Ridge Hildebran, Yelena Armistead, and Aurora Armistead.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Shoal Creek Baptist Church. Rev. Josh Chatham and Dr. Daniel W. Armistead will officiate.
Flowers are to be omitted, instead memorial donations can be made to the building fund of Shoal Creek Baptist Church.
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