Vaughn Cassell (age 90), a resident of Wytheville since 1972, passed away quietly at home on April 14th. He is predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Lucille Johnson, who died in 2010. Vaughn was born on New Year's Eve, 1935, to Ray Gordon Cassell and Ann May Harman in Bishop, Virginia. He graduated from Tazewell High School in 1953 and earned a diploma from West Virginia Business College before working for Jewell Ridge Coal Company in accounting and sales. In 1961, shortly after Vaughn and Virginia married, he took a job with Nationwide Insurance as a claims adjuster and continued in that role for 37 years, working counties centered on Wise and then Wytheville. He served for several years in the Army Reserve and was very active with the American Legion, including the honor guard and firing team conducting graveside ceremonies for veterans until declining health precluded that role. A member of Wytheville Presbyterian Church, he served on the session and on the finance committee.

He became an avid genealogist after his mother presented him with a book on Harman family history and his research continued through the last 50 years of his life. He developed a widespread correspondence and friendship with new-found cousins around the country. He was an active volunteer with the Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association, including serving on the board. He was also a member of the Lt David Cox chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and had proved his descent from eight different patriots of the revolution, including three of those Harmans.

He is survived by Liz Groseclose, his companion and comfort as a widower, his son, Ray Vaughn Cassell II of Madison, AL, his sister Phyllis Morris of Bristol, VA, a brother-in-law, Samuel Carl Johnson of Richmond, VA, three grandchildren, plus numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. All are feeling his absence strongly.

A memorial service will be 11 AM Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Pastor John Langham with interment to follow in the West End Cemetery. American Legion Post 9 will conduct military graveside rites. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10 AM until service time. Donations to the Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association in his memory are preferred to flowers. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.