Vernon Story

February 23, 1955 - April 22, 2022

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8 Vernon Story, age 67, of Jonesborough, passed away on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Jonesborough, Vernon is the son of the late Lionel Preston and Lucy Blanche (Helton) Story. He was a member of Liberty Fellowship Church in Johnson City and was a Law Enforcement Officer for 35 years. Vernon was an avid musician, gun collector and knife collector. He loved Bluegrass and Gospel music and played and sang for more than 50 years. If you were blessed to have known Vernon, you know that he loved his family more than life. He shared the love of God through his testimony, his music and the stories he told. Matthew 5:14 says 'Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid'. Vernon truly was the light and shined throughout his life. In addition to his parents, Vernon is preceded in death by sisters: Shirley Love, Linda Walls and Bernice Emory; step-son: Brian Ricker; sister-in-law: Linda Story; and nieces: Lisa Morrow and Jill Burgner. Vernon Story leaves behind to cherish his memory: "His Love" and wife of 5 years: Diane Foster Story; son: James Story and wife, Whitney; daughter: Charley Story; step-sons: Brennan Ricker and wife, Chelsea, and Blake Ricker; precious grandchildren: Ava Story, Ella Story, Mayland Ricker, and Trenton Taylor Ricker; brothers: Johnnie Story, Ronnie Story and wife, Sue, and David Story and wife, Nell; mother-in-law and father-in-law: Dottie and Jimmy Collins; nieces and nephews: Amy Crain, Laura Pruitt, Jerry Walls, Jr., Kim Taylor and husband Wayne, Amanda Baker and husband Grady, Valerie Barcel and husband Mike, Vera Watts and husband Jason, Jenny Morrow and husband Freddie, Sammy Harris, Billy Emery and David Emery; his beloved dog, Bo; and special friend, Jerry Huskins. The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Vernon Story in a funeral service to be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 25, 2022, at Grace Free Will Baptist Church, 2110 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City TN 37604. Reverend Dan Foster, Reverend Brian Brown, Reverend Kevin Laws and Reverend Walter Grimmett will officiate. Special music will be provided. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 5:00 pm on Monday and will continue until service time at Grace Free Will Baptist Church. A graveside committal service will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 in Bumpus Cove Cemetery. Those attending the committal service should meet at Valley Funeral Home by 11:30 am on Tuesday to go in procession to the cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers will be Mike Barcel, Mason Barcel, Brennan Ricker, Blake Ricker, Brandon McInturff, Michael Peterson, Aaron Peterson and Freddie Morrow. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Collins and Jerry Huskins. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at FuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Vernon Story through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.