Vernon Anderson Jr.

Vernon Alonzo Anderson, Jr., entered eternal life on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was born on January 20, 1967, to Belinda Ann Myers and Vernon Alonzo Anderson, Sr., in Knoxville, Tennessee. Vernon grew up in the local area and went to Knoxville City Schools. He graduated from Holston High School with the Class of 1985. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Carson-Newman College. Vernon was a godly man and a firm believer in the Lord. He gave his life to Christ at a young age. He was an active member of the Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church.

Vernon was known for being an amazing football player. He played football from Little League all the way through semi-pro teams, which was a very big accomplishment. He was a stellar quarterback during his career. He also proudly played on championship football teams while studying at Carson-Newman College.

Vernon spent his life doing what he loved most, which was working with young people. He worked for many years with the Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee Valley. He also spent time working for the Emerald Youth Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Tennessee Valley TRIO Program. Vernon loved sports and shared his passion by coaching little league football. He coached teams for both the Baby Roadrunners and the Fulton Falcons. 

On April 22, 2006, Vernon was happily married to Barbara Jeanne Saffell. Together, they had a son, Vernon Alonzo Anderson, III, who goes by the nickname “V3”. Vernon was a proud and loving husband and father. He always supported his family in everything they did. In his free time, he loved to go fishing and attend family reunions.

Vernon was greeted in heaven by his father, Vernon Anderson, Sr., his grandparents, Beulah and Edward Blevins, and Melvin Anderson. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Captain Timothy Sean Anderson, and his sister-in-law, Dorothy Anderson.

Vernon will be missed, remembered, and loved forever by his family and friends. He leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara Jeanne, and his son, Vernon, III. He also leaves his mother, Belinda Anderson, and his brother, Byron Anderson. His memory will be cherished by his mother-in-love, Clara “Mickey” Jenkins Amos, and his sister-in-law, Johnette Anderson. He will also be missed by a large group of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.

A memorial service honoring Vernon's memory will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The family visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 2714 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee.