Behind every successful man is someone who supports them and never gives up on them. For Elvis, it was his parental figures, especially his father. The King’s father, Vernon Presley, had a huge influence on the superstar. He introduced Elvis to music and supported him at every step on his path toward stardom.
While Elvis was mostly known to be close to his mother Gladys, it was his father who was with him right up, until The King’s untimely demise.
Here’s everything to know about Elvis Presley’s father.
Who was Vernon Presley?
Vernon Presley, Elvis’s father was born on the 10th of April, 1916, in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was the son of Jessie D. McClowell Presley and had four siblings.
Vernon was not good at studies, and he dropped out of school when he was in eighth grade. He moved out of his home at a very young age. Because of his lack of education, he had to do many odd jobs. His son followed his father’s footsteps and also held odd jobs before he was a part of the contract with Sun Records.
When Did Vernon Get Married?
Vernon was only 17 when he found the love of his life and decided to get married to her. Gladys was four years older than him. Since Vernon was underage at the time, he had to lie about his age to get married. The duo tied the knot in 1933.
She became pregnant and gave birth to twins on the 8th of January, 1935. A tragedy occurred during the birth, and their first boy, Jesse Garon Presley, was stillborn. Elvis Presley, the second boy, survived and became a superstar.
What was Vernon’s Occupation?
Vernon was married at a young age. As he was not qualified enough, he had to provide for his wife and later his child by doing various odds jobs.
Reportedly, he altered a cheque and had to serve eight months in prison for the crime.
He worked at small jobs like a farmer, painter, and truck driver to make ends meet.
When his son started his journey to success, Vernon was there to support him and guide him all along. Elvis was only 20 when he was offered a contract with Sun Records. He was still too young to sign for it. Thus, his father did it for him.
Vernon even managed all his son’s music affairs from Graceland, where the family lived. He toured with his son and helped him manage other finances. Interestingly, he even had a role as an extra in his son’s movie, Live a Little, Love a Little.
Did Vernon Have Another Wife?
Vernon and Gladys made a beautiful couple until her death at 46 in 1958. It made him distraught. But two years following his first wife’s death, Vernon found love in another woman, Dee. He married Dee, and they moved into a home on the Graceland Estate.
When Did Vernon Presley Die?
Vernon was 63-year-old when he passed away from a heart attack. His death happened in June 1979, two years after his son’s demise. He became the executor of Elvis’s estate after his death.
Some believe that Vernon died of a broken heart. After all, no father should have to endure the sudden death of his child, especially when he was so close to him.
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