Notes:

Vernon Lee Douglas

Born October 17, 1936 in Randolph Mississippi and passed away on March 17, 2018 in Salinas, CA. Before he turned 65, he was rarely sick. In 2001 right after retiring, he contracted Legionnaires pneumonia which almost took his life. After a long recovery he seemed to come back better than ever. But over the last few years, his health has declined, and hospital stays came far too often. His last battle was almost immediate, and he didn't suffer but for a few minutes. For this we are very thankful. He passed away at Memorial Hospital around 3:00am surrounded by family.

He is survived by his girlfriend and significant other of 27 years, Sheila Polson and her son Marty Polson of their family home, along with his cheeseburger loving dog and daily companion, Patty. Sheila's son Matt and daughter Melissa and her family. His daughter Vickie and husband Charles, their kids Lynn and Justin and great granddaughter Josie (age 6). His daughter Vanette and boyfriend Joe and granddaughter Quireay (age 18); also, granddaughter Kasandra (age 28) and her husband Chava and two great grandsons; Isaiah (age 9) and Jadien (age 4).

Vernon came from a large family and grew up in Pontotoc, MS. Numerous members of his family preceded him in death: Dad-Joe Rice Douglas, Mom-Daisy Viola Douglas, Brother-James Jewel Douglas, Sister-Laura Estelle Lindsey, Brother-Lowell Richard Douglas, and ex-wife Velma Eileen Bereman/Douglas/Schmidt of 33 years. Surviving members of his family include his baby sister Laura Lavell Casey and family of San Jose, CA; older brother Noel Junior Douglas and family of Salinas, CA; older sister Clara Lavell Walker of Pontotoc, MS and nephew Larry Douglas and his family of Randolph, MS. He has many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; way too many to mention but loved none the less.

He worked for Admiral Packing Company for most of his agriculture working career. He was an avid supporter of the VFW and Sons of the American Legion, Post 31. He was 81, but still didn't want to look or act his age. Vernon never sat still for long and loved to go places. He will be remembered going camping (Los Banos Creek was his favorite), fishing, BBQ'ing, was an absolute great cook, took an active role in his daughters lives, he took his kids on many vacations and made the sacrifice of even going places like Disneyland (which he did not enjoy at all-but went anyway), his kids were never sure if he participated in their school activities to keep an eye on them or to support them, planning and enjoying great Reno trips, never seemed to meet a stranger, was very thrifty and would scour the newspaper for good deals and coupons, doing his part and beyond to honor our veterans (was a member of the Sons of American Legion Post 31), was a great father, significant other, friend and role model. During the early 70's, he owned a race car with his Brother-in-law, Tommy Tucker and headed to Watsonville raceway every Friday Nite for the races. We are not sure, but it may have sparked his love for Nascar (which he watched religiously). But Nascar took second place if his beloved Cowboys were playing a game.

He and Sheila Polson enjoyed 27 years together. During this time, they traveled a lot and to many different places. Their biggest pleasure together was going gambling. They have gambled from Tunica, MS to Las Vegas, NV and many others in between. Neither one enjoyed just staying home, but they had created a beautiful, warm and inviting place that from time to time was shared by either his kids or her kids. Both had been part of long term marriages and had divorced, so they felt that a piece of paper didn't mean a whole lot when it came right down to it. Sheila has stated that they had a lot of laughs and good times together. She took great care of him and put up with a lot of grouchiness, but still loved him and we know he loved her. She spoiled him every chance she got, and he always felt guilty that she had spent money on him, but we know he secretly loved it. Sheila had some competition though. A very large German shepherd/Doberman mix named Patty they inherited from family friend, Gail Hart. Patty went from constantly barking at him to being his partner in crime (sitting in the front seat like a human and going in his truck to McDonalds for cheeseburgers). She was so protective that she got between him and any other person that came near, even the immediate family. She made it very clear that she didn't approve of anyone sitting in his chair. God had to protect the mailman from her. She will miss him dearly.

As he had two girls and no boys, he taught his girls to be very self-sufficient. Most people find it hard to believe that they go camping, can change a car tire, skin a cat fish, and aren't afraid to get dirty, fix most things in the house and sometimes even attempt a car repair or two. Both could operate a fishing boat engine before they could drive a car. Both girls have their own set of tools that they don't let their husbands borrow, because they don't put the tools back where they belong. One or the other of the girls were always calling him about how to fix something and get his opinion about what was wrong with the car, or where to buy this part or this tool. He could always tell them at least what direction to head in. But, in his older years, he said he had enough money that he would rather hire someone else, than do it himself. He was their father and their mentor, and they respected and loved him very much. They were always proud to say he was their father. Like every one of us, he wasn't perfect but he was perfectly their father.

He could be ornery, hard headed and gripe, but would still be there to help you no matter what (maybe after a small lecture or two). One thing you knew about him was that he wasn't afraid to tell you his opinion and wasn't afraid to argue his point. If he was very polite to you and spoke in short sentences, you knew he didn't like you at all. You didn't stand a chance to change his mind if he thought he was right, but there is no doubt, he was a great man.

He rose from one of the most impoverished towns in Mississippi, only had a 5th grade education, but educated himself along the way and had great math skills. He worked hard and was able to buy a home, whatever car he wanted, go where ever he wanted and provided everything his family needed and most of what they wanted (no he wouldn't buy Vanette a pony). He also did his part to financially support The Lettuce Inn, The Alisal Club, The VFW and the American Legion, Post 31 (ha ha).

Vernon + Sheila Polson. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joe + Daisy Viola. Daisy died before 2018. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]