George M. Vermillion was born in Paola, Kansas April 14, 1900, the son of George Washington and Permelia Jane Morrison Vermillion. He attended school in Osawatomie and graduated with the class of 1920. He married Hazel Smith Rainey. George started out in Long Beach, CA, in 1923 as an oil worker; he later established a chain of drug stores in the city and served prominently in civic affairs. 

He was a member of the Board of Education from 1941 to 1954. He served as Mayor of Long Beach from 1954 to 1957. Mayor Vermillion passed away at the age of 61- September 2, 1961. His death was attributed to a heart attack. 

He was survived by his wife and two sons- Charles Edward and George M. Vermillion, Jr. He was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California.