Vernon Cruze

Vernon Cruze, age 97, of Columbus, Ohio, went to be with his wife in Heaven on Sunday, February 25, 2018. Born in Grainger County, TN, he was a veteran of the United States Army during WWII serving in Northern France, Rhineland and the Philippines. After the war, he worked for the City of Knoxville, TN and retired to Ormand Beach, FL. For many years, Vernon was a member of the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, FL. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nellie Mae and son Gooch Cruze. Vernon is survived by his daughters Kathy Stringfield and Jeannie Cawood, 7 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law Maxine Flynn, of Knoxville and his Honor Guard friend Michael J. Ricciardo of Port Orange, FL. Private family visitation was held at Tidd Family Funeral Home in Hilliard, Ohio. Burial with Military Honors was held at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, OH where he was laid to rest by his loving wife Nellie Mae. Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to send condolences to the Cruze Family.  In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to: First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach Florida, Children's Christmas Fund, 118 North Palmetto Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114.