Vernon Morley Jr., 67, dentist to federal prisoners in five states

IT WAS AN UNUSUAL dentistry practice. Vernon Morley Jr. traveled to five states, from Texas to Pennsylvania, treating federal prisoners.

It might be news to many that the Bureau of Prisons of the U.S. Attorney's Office employed dentists, but that's where Vernon Morley worked for a big part of his career.

He was a Navy officer for 42 years, then took immense satisfaction in treating prisoners in federal penitentiaries in Pennsylvania, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and New York.

Vernon Morley, a devoted family man and church deacon, and a man of many talents, including the martial arts, died Feb. 15 at age 67.

He was born in Salem, N.J., to Vernon Morley Sr. and Myra Marie Morley. The family moved to Philadelphia when he was a child, and he was raised in South Philadelphia.

He graduated from Central High School in 1965 and went on to Temple University, from which he received a bachelor's degree in economics. He earned a master's degree before moving to the University of Medicine and Dentistry, where he received his dentistry degree in 1986.

Vernon was baptized at New Light Beulah Baptist Church, where he became a deacon. He was active in many church activities and was always available for whatever was needed.

"Vernon was a trustworthy and honest family man," his family said. "He enjoyed reading and just having a good conversation."

He is survived by his wife, Mary Morley; his mother, Myra Marie Morley; a son, Sean Morley; two stepsons, Dwayne and Douglas Marshall; and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by another son, Vernon Morley III.

Services: Were Saturday. Burial was at Fernwood Cemetery.