Vernon Keith Sullivan

It is with heavy hearts that we announced the passing of Vernon Keith Sullivan, a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. Has laid to rest on December 4, 2024 at Memorial Hospital, in Gulfport, Mississippi, at the age of 71.

He was preceded in death by his parents Johnnie Hurshel Sullivan, and Velmer Vernell Sullivan along with his uncle, Carl Ladner, and his aunt, Uva Grubbs and his very best friend Leonard Harris.

Vernon’s surviving family members are his three loving children Don Sullivan, Olivia Sullivan and Belle Sullivan along with his one grandchild Eziah Porres. And his two siblings Hurshel Sullivan and Janet Zirkle. and many more extended family members and friends.

Vernon was a proud American who was born on August 31st 1953 and raised in Gulfport Mississippi. growing up, he found his love in playing music and praising God, just as much as he loved enjoying the things in life, where he spent his times playing his favorite sports such as baseball and basketball, or by going for an adventure like fishing along the beautiful coast, skiing, camping, hunting, and enjoyed his times with family and friends during the holidays and many more, he also valued learning about God and used his devotion to grow and live an amazing life. Vernon was also blessed with many achievements during his early years, he attended Gulfport Highschool and was part of the national honor society and made state champion basketball team until he graduated in 1971. He later pursued in the U.S. Post Office while also going to Jefferson Davis Junior college, where he learned drafting and design for seven years. Vernon then moved out to Atlanta Georgia where he worked as an engineering maintenance for Cosvetic labs for a couple years, until he found his love in art again then started his own independent drafting and design where he began his self-employment for designing and constructing modern homes for eight years, during those years he moved back home and started with another company selling health and life insurance and spending his time in between building a home for his own, and for his parents. He also built his personal studios where he had the time of his life performing his music throughout the Gulf coast during the 90’s, while assisting his best friend Leo Harris through maintaining modern day movie theatres from Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida. Eleven years later, Vernon continued his destiny and flew across the world to the Philippines on September 11, 2001. Where he dedicated his life in building and protecting his beautiful family while working hard in search of treasures for 15 longing years, until finally coming back home to Gulfport MS in 2015. Where he enjoyed his time reuniting with loved ones, and continued his love for music and guidance from God.

Vernon had the heart of gold he would fill the room with warmth and joy with his music and laughter along with his love. He was a big role model to many families and friends, and for the most and not least, to his three beloved kids, Don Olivia and Belle Sullivans who he has given many great wisdoms. Vernon always liked to find the good in the bad, and a way out of the bad for good. He was optimistic and loving. He had faith in God and no matter what, he believed in himself as there were many who believed in him. Vernon has left many friends and families with a lifetime of memories that can be shared or left to be cherished, he has a special place in all of our hearts and will be missed but never forgotten. Rest easy our loving father, grandfather, brother and friend Vernon Keith Sullivan.

Vernon Sullivan was a lifelong devoted Christian; His ceremony will be held at Chosen generation church located at 22399 US 49, Saucier MS 39574 on Friday December 20th, 2024, ceremony will begin at 2pm.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.