Dr. Ernest Vincent Vaughn, Jr. Son of the late Ernest Vincent Vaughn, Sr. and Irene Madison Vaughn, was born on June 16, 1941_ in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Affectionately known as “Sonny,” he joined St. Paul Methodist Church at an early age, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior—a decision that would guide the rest of his life.

Ernest graduated from Rowan High School and, in September 1959, enlisted in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and went on to proudly serve as a Medical Corpsman Specialist, attaining the rank of E-5. His service carried him to Fort Riley, Kansas; San Antonio, Texas; New Ulm, Germany; the Belgian Congo in Africa; and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Education was always close to his heart. In May 1970, Ernest earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Jackson State College. Just four years later, in May 1974, he fulfilled his dream by receiving a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University. During his years at Tuskegee, he met the love of his life, Lillian Ann Key. They were married on January 15, 1974, beginning a union filled with love, partnership, and faith. Together, they moved to Pennsauken, New Jersey, where Dr. Vaughn established the Westfield Animal Hospital.

For 44 years, Dr. Vaughn served his community with extraordinary compassion as a veterinarian, with Lillian faithfully by his side as office manager. Known as a “gentle giant,” he earned the trust of families who often said he cared for their pets as though they were his own. His calm strength, kindness, and devotion left an indelible mark on generations of pet owners. Dr. Vaughn retired from practice in January 2019, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love.

Retirement never slowed him down. A devoted servant of God, Dr. Vaughn poured his heart into St. Matthew United Methodist Church, where he faithfully served as President of the Trustee Board. He also sang in the men’s choir, taught Sunday School, and participated in the Men’s Federation. His tireless efforts in the upkeep of the church reflected his deep love for God and his church family.

Outside of his professional and spiritual callings, Dr. Vaughn’s greatest joy was his family. He was a proud and active grandfather—wrestling on the floor, riding bikes, playing action figures, telling jokes, and joyfully celebrating every milestone, from birthdays to graduations, first cars, and beyond. Education was a value he lived and instilled, encouraging his children and grandchildren to pursue excellence and higher learning.

Though a man of gentle and quiet nature, Dr. Vaughn’s presence was powerful, and his influence far-reaching. He was a proud member of the Delta Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a member of the EURO Alumni Association in his hometown of Hattiesburg. A talented saxophonist since high school, he continued playing music throughout his life. Even in his final days, his home was filled with the sound of him teaching himself the hymn “My Hope Is Built.” Dr. Vaughn truly lived a life in which Christ was the solid rock on which he stood.

On August 25, 2025, Dr. Ernest Vincent Vaughn, Jr. was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His life was anchored in faith, guided by service, and illuminated by love.

He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: his devoted wife of 51 years, Lillian K. Vaughn; his beloved children, Cassandra Burrell (Terrance) and Christina Vaughn, Melissa Thompson (they both adopted); his treasured grandchildren, Thaj, Devin, Jocelyn, Karis, Bomani, and Christian; his siblings, Patricia Fluker (James) and Richard Vaughn (Joyce); and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Sr. and Irene, his siblings Barbara Thompson and Stanley Vaughn.

Dr. Ernest Vincent Vaughn, Jr. lived a life rooted in love, service, and faith—a life that will continue to inspire all who knew him.