Vernon Ellis Tew Jr

Vernon Ellis Tew Jr., known to family and friends as Vern, passed away on June 19, 2026. Born March 10, 1957, in Homestead, Florida, Vern built a life grounded in faith, family and hard work.

A 1976 graduate of Northeast Jones High School, Vern spent 46 years in the oil industry beginning with Welex (a division of Halliburton) and later as a partner in Verde Services. Colleagues remember him for his integrity and steady work ethic; he took pride in building a business and helping others along the way.

Vern was a committed member and founding presence of Crossgate Bible Church, where he served as an elder and contributed musically on the praise team. His Christian faith was a guiding force from his teen years onward, and he remained active in ministry throughout his life.

Outside of work and church, Vern enjoyed spending time with friends on the golf course at Laurel Country Club — he loved to share stories about his two holes-in-one on the ninth hole — and exploring the country in his RV with his wife, Becky. Above all, his greatest joy came from family: he treasured moments with his wife Becky Hill Tew, his son Rahn (Chelsea) Tew, and his grandsons Jake and Reid. Vern is also survived by a large, close-knit family of siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon E. and Laudia (Macy) Williams Tew. Family will receive visitors on Saturday, June 27 at Life Church in Laurel, with a service to follow and burial at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. In keeping with Vern’s faith and service, the family has suggested memorial donations be made to Crossgate Bible Church.

Vern’s life was one of quiet devotion — to his faith, to the people he loved, and to the work he performed with honesty and care. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his music in worship, his stories on the golf course, and the warmth he gave his family.