A celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Cain-Cochran Hall at Hinds Community College. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 1:00 - 2:30. The Service will also be at Cain-Cochran Hall beginning at 3:00.

Dr. Vernon Clyde Muse, age 96, won The Final Game in an overtime victory at his home in Raymond, MS, completing a remarkable life of faith, service, and leadership on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at his home in Raymond, MS. At his side were his devoted family and closest friends; waiting for him on the other side of the Jordan River was the love of his life, his beloved wife, Vashti.

Dr. Muse met Vashti Underwood while a student at Delta State University. Their courtship began with very little—no money, only determination—and long walks to and from downtown Cleveland. On their first date, Vashti confidently told him she intended to marry him. Intrigued and perhaps a bit stunned, he chose not to argue, a decision that served him well throughout their 58 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and a shared commitment to education and service.

Dr. Muse devoted 68 years to education as a coach, teacher, principal, superintendent, and ultimately President of Hinds Community College. His work spanned Canton, Starkville, Hinds County, Meridian, and Raymond, Mississippi. He and Vashti were steadfast champions of students—particularly those in need of opportunity—generously investing their time, energy, and resources to uplift others. He often reminded young people that they would make three of the most important decisions in life: accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, choosing who to marry, and selecting their college or career path.

A gifted relationship-builder, Dr. Muse formed lifelong connections with classmates, teammates, colleagues, and leaders across education and government. Many sought his wisdom and counsel, and he was known for his fairness, insight, and unwavering belief in people.

His own journey began with humble determination. While attending East Central Community College and Delta State University, he supported himself by milking cows and washing dishes. As a walk-on basketball player, he once sat at the very end of the bench wearing a faded uniform. When finally given the opportunity to play, he relied on careful observation and strategy to succeed—a lesson that would shape his coaching philosophy and leadership style. He went on to earn a scholarship and build a career marked by perseverance and excellence.

As a coach in Starkville, he led teams to championship success and championed athletics as a vital pathway for belonging, discipline, and mentorship. Basketball remained his lifelong passion, and he often said that when he reached Heaven, he hoped to find a gym where he could enjoy a pickup game and practice his favorite hook shot among old friends.

During the summer of 1961, while directing city park programs, Dr. Muse helped develop the concept of T-ball to allow younger children to participate in baseball. Generations of children have since enjoyed the game. With characteristic humility, he later joked that he simply "didn't have enough sense to patent it."

A faithful Christian, Dr. Muse lived a life of service. He opened gym doors to neighborhood children, mentored students both on and off the court, and offered guidance that extended far beyond the classroom. Decades later, former students continue to recall his expectations, encouragement, and life lessons with gratitude. He also found great joy in music and fellowship. A bass in his church choir, he loved gospel music and continued singing well into his later years, sharing his faith through song with family and community. Another of his great passions was gardening. He delighted in growing and sharing his harvest with neighbors, friends, and even those serving at the Mississippi Capitol. Through gardening, he taught simple but profound truths about effort, growth, and generosity—reminding others that what we plant and nurture will, in time, return.

Dr. Muse believed deeply in hard work and opportunity for all. He gave people the benefit of the doubt and supported individuals regardless of background. As a leader, he opened doors for many, including women in leadership roles, and took great pride in mentoring those willing to put in the effort to grow.

One of the most significant chapters of his life was his leadership during school desegregation in Mississippi. As superintendent in Hinds County beginning in 1969, he was tasked with guiding a complex and critical transition. With clarity and conviction, he insisted that every student be treated fairly and that discipline, respect, and education remain paramount. He later continued this important work in Meridian and at Hinds Community College, where he helped lead the merger of the Raymond and Utica campuses. Reflecting on this chapter, he once remarked, "Maybe that's what I was intended to do as an administrator."

A graduate of Sebastopol High School, East Central Community College, and Delta State University, Dr. Muse earned his Master's and Doctorate from Mississippi State University. He became the sixth president of Hinds Community College, serving for 42 years—one of the longest tenures of any college president in the nation—before retiring at the age of 91. He worked closely with educational leaders, legislators, governors, and national figures, and his influence extended internationally as he helped support the development of educational institutions abroad. He was widely respected as a guiding force in advancing community college education in Mississippi.

Above all, Dr. Muse took greatest pride in his family. As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he offered wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering love. His door was always open, and his presence was a steady source of strength and comfort.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vashti Underwood Muse; his parents, Mose Lee and Elizabeth Muse; and his brothers Floyd, Paul, Henry, and Mose Jr.

He is survived by his children: Julia Vashti Cole (Sellers, deceased), Dr. Susan Elizabeth Rucker (Randy), and Vernon Clyde Muse, Jr.  (Jan); his grandchildren: Jennifer Vashti Cole, Prentiss Sellers Cole (Keri), Jeremy Muse Cole (Kathryn), Jamie Elizabeth Monsour Hall (Justin), Christopher Lee Monsour (Katie), Lindsey-Claire Muse Hutchins (Hunter), and Vernon Clyde Muse III "Trae"; and his great-grandchildren: Lily Belle Cole, Katelyn Cole, Keaton Cole, Logan Cole, Sam Cole, Parker Cole, Elizabeth Hall, Benjamin Hall, Emmaline Hall, Lee Monsour, Branch Monsour, Ty Hutchins, Sunny Hutchins, and Brees Hutchins.

He is also survived by his brother, Dr. William Muse (Marlene), along with a host of extended family members and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Raymond Methodist Church, the Clyde and Vashti Muse Scholarships at Hinds Community College, the Muse Foundation Legacy at Hinds, Mississippi State University Foundation Muse Scholarships, East Central Community College Muse Scholarships, the East Central Basketball Program, Delta State University Foundation Muse Scholarships, Riggs Manor Retirement Community, or the Delta State University Basketball Program—continuing a legacy devoted to opening doors through education. Dr. Muse lived a life defined by faith, humility, and a steadfast commitment to others. The seeds he planted—in classrooms, on courts, in communities, and in hearts—will continue to grow for generations to come.