A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Vernon attended Brevard College and Georgia State University, where he studied with William "Bill" Hill and Gail Wilson.
His principal teachers outside of university were bass trombonist Edward Kleinhammer and tubist Arnold Jacobs, both former members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Vernon is a clinician for the Selmer Instrument Company and a frequent guest artist for the International Trombone Association, as well as the recipient of the 2021 ITA award.
In 2006, Vernon and the CSO premiered "Chick 'a' Bone Checkout" a new concerto for alto, tenor and bass trombone and orchestra, written by trombonist and composer Christian Lindberg.
As a part-time athlete, Vernon is an avid swimmer and is a member of the Evanston Masters Swim Team.