On February 24, 2024, Vernon David McCloud, age 86, passed away after suffering several years with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Vernon was born and raised in Jackson Co., AL. He graduated from Bridgeport HS in 1956.
In 1957, he moved to the Washington, DC area to work for the Federal Government in Forensic Latent Fingerprint Science for a total of 56 years. He gave expert testimony over 1500 times throughout the US and earned the Meritorious Civilian Award presented by the US Attorney General. Vernon was a life-time member and former officer of the International Association for Identification. He worked on many famous and historical criminal cases analyzing a wide range of evidence over his career. He taught forensic fingerprint science classes to several major criminology institutions. He was a CSI consultant for 16 years in his own company, McCloud’s FIS. He was called upon many times internationally to co-consult because of his highly-regarded expertise in forensic science.
Vernon spent many years coaching and playing softball. He encouraged, supported, and participated in all of his children’s sports and activities. As he was nearing retirement, he decided to move from the DC suburbs and return to Alabama in 2011 to move closer to his best friend, and fellow musician, Tommy Martin. Vernon loved bluegrass/bluegrass gospel music and was well-known in the Virginia bluegrass circuit for his volunteer work in festival security, band assistance, promoting young musicians by organizing performances at festivals, and playing comedy skits on-stage. He played bluegrass rhythm guitar, sang lead, and was a member of Deep Run Bluegrass Band. Vernon loved traveling to bluegrass festivals in his beloved RV and participating in late-night jam sessions. Vernon loved to woodwork and made several beautiful pieces. He was a good cook, builder, lumberman, electrician, hunter, fisherman, and marksman. He loved to garden and house Purple Martin birds. Vernon’s dedication to walking daily slowed his disease progression significantly. He loved watching college football and professional boxing.
Vernon was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, neighbor, and friend. He was always lending a helping hand. He will be very missed, but we know he is no longer suffering and is in Glory.
Vernon made his own prearrangements for an immediate private burial. If you desire to make a donation in his memory, you can donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://alz.org. Sadly, one in three seniors pass with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. ��
Online Condolences may be left at www.rudderfuneralhomes.com
