Mike "Rabbit" Vernon, 66, of Eden passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Boone & Cooke Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 pm on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the funeral home and other times at the residence.

Mike was an all-around amazing man, an extraordinary husband, a loving father, a great brother and a loyal friend.

Mike had a deep passion for helping people.  He found his calling as a firefighter.  He dedicated over half of his life doing what he loved.  He thought that helping people went beyond running into burning buildings, but if you asked him, he was no hero.  However, he was to all who knew him and loved him.  He had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued and loved.  The impact he made on countless lives will be felt for generations.

Mike is survived by his wife, Laura Vernon of the home; his sons, Jason Vernon (Alicia) of Eden and Daylen Vernon of the home; his daughter, Jennifer Vernon (Sabrina) of Virginia; his step daughter, Mandy Shand (Kyle) of Kernersville; his brothers, Terry Vernon (Tammy) and Sammy Vernon (Carol) of Eden; his sisters, Toni Coble (Barry) of Burlington, Frances Eanes of New Bern; his grandchildren, Hannah and Haylee Vernon of Eden, Alyssa, Talyn, and Gavin DeHart of Kernersville, Kaitlyn Myers of Virginia; and his great grandchildren, Teegan and Tatum Mims.

Mike was preceeded in death by his parents, George and Rachel Vernon and his brother, Steve Vernon.

More than anything, Mike was a Christian man and he loved the Lord.  He attended King Memorial Baptist Church nearly every Sunday with his brother, Terry.