Vernon Lee Middleton

Vernon Lee Middleton, 74, passed away on May 8, 2024, in Gulfport, Mississippi. Born on August 30, 1949, in Oklahoma City, OK to the late Vernon Griscom and Nona Middleton. Growing up in the small town of Bay St. Louis, Vernon developed a lifelong love for cars. He worked as an auto mechanic for many years; his enthusiasm didn't stop at repairing cars; he was an avid fan of racing them. He spent many nights racing on the dirt tracks at the "Dirt Pit" or cheered on his friends at the Gulfport Dragway. Beyond racing, he enjoyed the outdoors, finding adventure in boating, water skiing, and fishing. Above all, Vernon's role as “PawPaw” was most important. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Vernon ensured they never lacked for anything, providing not just material comforts but also love and attention. Vernon was a man of simplicity, whose actions spoke louder than words. His kindheartedness and loving nature were the hallmarks of his character. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. Vernon is preceded by his parents, Vernon Griscom and Nona Lee (Wilkins) Middleton; maternal grandparents, George Andrew and Rena Dimple (McIntyre) Wilkins; paternal grandparents, Everett Garth and Bessie Mary (Miller) Middleton; sister, Elizabeth Faye Gooden; daughter, Karen Beatrice (Spiers) Fountain; grandson, Hunter Marx Middleton. Left to cherish his memories are his children, Hilton (Rebecca) Middleton of Bay St. Louis, Veronica (Shane) Shows of Saucier, MS, Vernon (Tommy Tregle) Middleton of Pass Christian, MS, Angela Middleton of Houston, TX, Nathan (Ashley) Middleton of Saucier, MS; sisters, Mary (Don) Smith-Ried of Pass Christian, MS, Margaret Ownby of Corryton, TN, Sarah Breland of Saucier, MS; along with twelve grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.