Vernon Roy Baity

Vernon Roy Baity was born on October 7th, 1947, at Johnston’s Hospital in Graham, North Carolina, to goodly parents – Howard & Zola Baity, who loved the Lord. As the youngest of three children, Vernon spent his childhood making trouble and traveling to Brushy Mountain in Wilkesboro, North Carolina where his grandparents lived. Vernon was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 8, which he attended throughout his life.

He went to The Gibsonville School and graduated in 1966. Prior to graduation, he met and began dating Bonnie Brown in 1966. The sweethearts were married on November 20th, 1966. Vernon attended the Technical Institute of Alamance where he studied small engine repair and took automotive repair courses. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him, he purchased his own 18-wheeler rig and started trucking in 1970 and opened Vernon Baity Trucking Company, in Brown Summit, NC which he and Bonnie ran and operated for 39 years (1970-2009).

Vernon was a brilliant mechanic, a devoted husband, and a faithful member of his congregation. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed him, in any way he could. Vernon did not know any strangers. In fact, he had countless friends that he met at various points in his life and he maintained those friendships until the end. You could usually find him tinkering on something and he would always have an answer to anything related to cars or trucks.

But what Vernon was most proud of was his legacy. He and Bonnie have three daughters: Vicki, Amy, and Amanda. Vernon was a family man; he loved his daughters as well as his nieces and nephews. He was affectionately named and called Papa by his eight grandchildren. He was a son & brother for his entire life, husband for 59 years, ‘Daddy’ for 55 years and ‘Papa’ for the last 29. He is a man that will be forever remembered and measured by his heart and love of others.

A man of faith through action and service, he was always putting a smile on other people’s faces. Most will remember him for his hugs, long handshakes (which always ended with a grin and battle of strength), and the warmth he brought into any room he entered. He served many through his callings in his church over the years but the calling he held the longest was as a greeter. He served in that capacity for as long as he was able.

Vernon fought a 16-year battle with Parkinson’s and returned to his heavenly home on Saturday, June 28th, 2025. He was prayed for, blessed by, and visited by those who love him through his final moments. A man who was a force and always helping others passed peacefully having finished his work on Earth. He fought a good fight and endured with strength and love until the end.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Zola Baity as well as his older brother, Douglas Baity, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Bonnie. And their three daughters, Vicki Edwards (Gordon) of Jacksonville, FL, Amy Gates (Del) of Gibsonville, NC, and Amanda Baity-Chaiken (Eric) of Graham, NC. His eight grandchildren – Samantha Gates Reese (James), Elizabeth Edwards, William Edwards, Thomas Edwards (Rachael), Aaron Gates, Andrew Gates, Elijah Chaiken, and Jackson Chaiken.

He is also survived by his older sister, Wanda Lewis (Paul) of Mount Airy, NC. And many beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins.

His visitation will be held on Saturday July 5th from 5-7pm at Lowe Funeral Home, 2205 S. Church Street Burlington, NC 27215. The funeral will be held on Sunday July 6th at 3pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 712 South Williamson Ave in Elon, NC 27244. He will be laid to rest on Monday July 7th at 11am at Alamance Memorial Park in Burlington, NC.

In honor of Vernon, if you would like, wear his favorite color – red – to any services.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to your favorite charitable organization in honor of Vernon.