Vernon A. Whitehead

Vernon A. Whitehead, Jr. entered this life on June 11, 1940 in Carlisle, Arkansas and departed it on May 25, 2012 in Mabelvale, Arkansas. He was escorted peacefully to the gates of heaven on the wings of beautiful music sang by a large group of his loving sisters, family and friends. Although Vernon entered and exited this life in the state of Arkansas he called many places home during his eventful life thanks in large part to his career in the U.S. Army where he served as a cook during his active duty career. He served his country faithfully during his military career which included two tours of duty in VietNam. Additionally, he spent time in the states of California, South Carolina, Kentucky and Florida as well as the country of Germany. After leaving active duty he completed the rest of his military career in the U.S. Army Reserve where he acted as both a cook and Food Service Instructor. Vernon was a hard working individual throughout his life and did not slow down once he retired from the military. He spent many years working as a limousine driver after leaving active duty. In this career he met and worked with many celebrities which led to a few jobs as an extra in Hollywood movies. After retiring from his career as a limousine driver he moved back to his beloved state of Arkansas where he opened up a shoe shine business. It was said that he could take a beat up pair of dress shoes or tennis shoes and make them look show-room new! He leaves to mourn him, his wife, Mary A. Whitehead, six sisters; Marie Whitehead, Celia Scales, Terry (Charles) Stewart, Mae (Russel) Rosby, Sarah (Darryl) Crutchfield, Irene Gulley, Annabelle Wright and one brother; John Whitehead, four children; Carrie Johnson, Charles Whitehead, Virjena Whitehead and Frederick Whitehead, nine grandchildren; Willie, Dion, DeShaun, Nichole, Gregory, Farren, Africa, Asia and Malaysia; eleven great-grandchildren, a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents Vernon A. Whitehead Sr. and Christine Whitehead as well as a brother Artens Owens and a sister Evelyn Banks. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday at the Airport Church of Christ. Burial will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. The family will received friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.