Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame Spotlight: Vernard “V.L.” Worrell
Vernard “V.L.” Worrell
Vernard “V.L.” Worrell • Wakefield, Virginia • Inducted in 2002
Inducted in 2002, Vernard “V.L.” Worrell, Jr. soloed in 1940. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and received his private pilot license in 1945.
In 1962, he approached the town of Wakefield about developing an airport on a vacant parcel of land owned by the town. Approval was granted with the exception that no town funds be used for the project. With the help of many volunteers, V.L. directed the efforts to build an airport with a 4,400-foot runway. In 1965, the airport was officially open. The town appointed V.L. Chairman of the Wakefield Airport Committee, a position he held for 28 years.
It’s easy to see how V.L. earned the deserving title “Mr. Wakefield Airport.”
Vernard Laydon “V.L.” Worrell Jr., 80, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2003. His obituary listed his many accomplishments…
A World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy, Mr. Worrell was the former owner and operator of V.L. Worrell Appliance Store in Wakefield. He was the founder of Wakefield Airport and served as chairman of the Wakefield Airport commission for 28 years. In November 2002 he was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. He was an active member of the Virginia Aviation Trades Association, member of the Washington Airport Task Force, and was a board member of the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society. He was also active in many community and civic organizations including the Wakefield Lodge No. 198 A.F.&A.M. In addition, Mr. Worrell was a former president of the Virginia L.P. Gas Association, a former member of Wakefield Ruritan Club, a member of the local Sussex County Draft board, a former Justice of the Peace for Sussex County, and a member of Wakefield Baptist Church.
To read more of his obituary, click here.