US Navy Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Vernon Curtis Littlejohn 97, of Bluffton, SC, father of Gary Littlejohn, died Friday, December 5, 2025, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Denise Littlejohn, in Bluffton, SC.
- Long Naval Career: Enlisted at 16, served 30 years across World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Wars, rising to Master Chief Petty Officer.
- Senior Enlisted Advisor: Served as senior enlisted advisor at bases and on aircraft carriers during his final decade of service.
- Post-Navy Career: Earned a bachelor’s degree from Stockton State College and served 30 years as a Casino Control Commissioner in Atlantic City.
- Family and Faith: Longtime member of Union Baptist Temple; survived by son Gary Littlejohn, grandchildren, great-grandson, sisters, nieces, and nephews.
- Funeral Details: Graveside service with military honors at Beaufort National Cemetery; public viewing held prior at Marshel's Wright-Donaldson funeral home.
Graveside Services: 11:00 AM Friday, December 12, 2025, at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902, with military honors.
Public Viewing: 4 to 6 PM Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Marshel’s Wright-Donaldson Home For Funerals WHERE MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY!!!
Vernon was born November 16, 1928, in Asheville, NC, the eldest of 10 siblings. As a youngster, developed a love for golf while caddying for pocket change at Biltmore Forest Golf Club in Asheville. Caddies played for free on Mondays. He became a really good golfer, winning many amateur tournaments.
Even though he had not yet seen the ocean or a ship, Vernon fell in love with the Navy while just a child. He enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 16, during World War II. During the War, birth certificates were not required. He retired 30 years later, having also served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, mostly on aircraft carriers. While in the Navy, Vernon rose through the rank of Chief and again, one of the youngest to serve as Master Chief. During his last 10 years of Naval service, he was the senior enlisted advisor at the bases and the ships on which he served.
After his Navy retirement, Vernon completed his Bachelor’s degree at Stockton State College in New Jersey. He then worked another 30 years for the State of New Jersey as a Casino Control Commissioner in Atlantic City, NJ. He was a long-time faithful member of Union Baptist Temple, also in Atlantic City.
Vernon is preceded in death by his wife, Marion and son Vernon, Jr. He leaves behind his son, Gary (Denise) of Bluffton, SC; grandson, Garrick (LaShawn) of New Orleans, LA; granddaughter, Savannah of Washington, DC; great-grandson, Andre of Mullins, SC; two loving sisters, Alice Lowery of Canton, NC and Barbara Williams of Atlanta, GA; nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins.
“Well Done Thy Good And Faithful Servant”
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