Vernon Francis Kimsey

Vernon F. Kimsey of Hiawassee, Georgia, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022, at Emory University Hospital, due to COVID-related respiratory failure.
He was preceded in death by his father, John A. Kimsey, and his mother, Susie Galloway Kimsey. He is survived by his wife of thirty-four years, Diana (Dee) Kimsey, his sister Linda Pamplin and husband Paul, his sons Josh Kimsey and wife Loretta Raiford, and Brent Johnson and wife Amanda Johnson, his grandchildren Addie Johnson, Brynna Johnson, Asher Kimsey, and Frances Kimsey, and his nieces Cristen Thompson and Alisha Blake.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and earned his master’s degree in history and social studies at North Georgia College in Dahlonega. His first love was his family. He also loved history (especially the American Civil War and the Second World War) which he taught at Gainesville Middle School for thirty-two years, music, bicycle and motorcycle riding, watching sports car racing, University of South Carolina sports, and winding drives through the mountains with his beloved Dee in their Mazda Miata. 
He was the grateful recipient of a double-lung transplant that allowed him six extra years with his family. Throughout that process he was a warrior and an inspiration to many who journeyed through the process with him.  With his passing a light has gone out of the world, and we are heartbroken by this loss.

Visitation-Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 2:00-3:00 pm at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home.

Memorial Service-Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 3:00 pm at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home with Rev. David Simpson officiating.

Donations in memory of Vernon Kimsey can be made to Emory University’s Mason Guest House at Emory Healthcare Transplant Center, 1555 Shoup Court, Decatur GA 30033 | 404-712-4483.