Mr. William Edward Vernay, Jr., affectionately known as "Bill", passed away peacefully on February 10, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was born in Paterson, NJ on January 25, 1960. Mr. Vernay was a successful Realtor in both Florida and Georgia. He was a member of the Eagle FOE #3938 in Lehigh, FL. Bill also was a talented Chef. He had owned and operated several restaurants over the years. Bill created traditions for the his family, instilling the value of family gatherings that they will truly miss. His family vows to continue to honor and remember these traditions. His adventurous spirit led him to Blue Ridge, GA, thus being followed by the remainder of the family. Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Marjorie Weitzel Vernay; children, Stanley Colletti (Tiffany) and Sherian Benson; parents, Gloria and Bill Vernay, Sr.; grandchildren, Mason Colletti, Kyle Benson, Sarina Benson, Katelin Benson and Scarlet Benson;siblings and their children, Colleen and Ken Mattfeld, their children, Brittany and Jessica, Russell and Susan Vernay, their children, Raenel and Olivia, and Kelly Vernay-Gonzales and husband, Richard, and their children, Erin and Jacob.A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. from the St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Father John Conway officiating. Interment will follow in the Stanley Church of Christ Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Nicholas Ulm, Russell Vernay, Ken Mattfeld, Richard Gonzales, Steve Willis and Stanley Colletti. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Gonzales and Kyle Benson. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations in memory of Bill be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. Condolences may be sent to the family online at akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA is in charge of the arrangements. . Funeral Service St. Anthony's Catholic Church Friday, February 16, 2018 11:00 AM 967 East Main St.Blue Ridge, GA 30513 Directions