Vern Daugherty

“The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” --Deuteronomy 33:27 Vern Daugherty, age 90, of Crossville, Tennessee, passed away on June 29, 2024, at Life Care Center of Crossville. Reverend Daugherty was born on Friday, July 28, 1933, in New Madrid County, Missouri, son of the late Herbert Daugherty and Vivian (Gaskins) Daugherty. Vern worked as a Minister and was the Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. He served in ordained ministry for 74 years. He is survived by his beloved partner in ministry and life, Velma (Kerley) Daugherty; son, Andrew Daugherty (Alicia) of Boulder, Colorado, and their children, Addison, Aidan, Ivy, and Lilia; daughter, Pam Stanley (Barry) of Finley, Tennessee, and their children Misty Stanley Kennedy and Stephanie Stanley Jones; son, Jeff Hanshew of Lee’s Summitt, Missouri, and his children Tyler and Kyla; son, Brad Hanshew of Missouri and his son Austin. He is also survived by cherished sisters-in-law, Barbara Daugherty of Crossville, Tennessee, Bonnie Kerley of Knoxville, Tennessee, Anna Kerley of Knoxville, Tennessee, Syble Brown of Crossville, Tennessee, and brother-in-law Bennie (Sarah) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Barry Daugherty, brothers Dr. Ken Daugherty and Jim (Edie) Daugherty. Vern was an indomitable, irrepressible, and truly unique character. There are no copies of him. He was one of one. He was a Renaissance man, having a diverse career background serving as a mortician, funeral home director, pastor, investment banker, real estate developer, oil field manager, professional truck driver, and even a deputy sheriff. (Somewhere in here is a rare, eclectic blend of Sidney Chambers of Grantchester meets Andy Griffith meets Tony Stark meets W.A. Criswell). It was preaching and pastoring, however, that Vern found most richly rewarding. Those who knew him often thought of him as Cumberland County’s “community chaplain,” having officiated 451 memorial services since 1973. A memorial service will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 10, at 3:00pm. Family will welcome friends from 1:00—3:00pm. A private burial with family will follow at Crossville City Cemetery. Arrangements and Care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.