Ray Vance

Today, June 26, 2008, my treasured husband, Ray Vance, the son of the late Richard & Clara Vance, passed from our earthly home to with our Lord Jesus Christ. Ray, born on June 28, 1941, was a man of great integrity and character. He was and forever will be the most wonderful, loving husband, father and grandfather, brother and friend. A man who seemed bigger than life, who loved the Lord first, serving as a deacon & usher for 43 years in the church. He fulfilled his duty in the army during the Vietnam conflict. Also, a man of wisdom, which contributed to his success in the business world, having a Christian Book Store in Greeneville, Tn., for eight of those years. He met many goals and was able to travel extensively throughout the United States. As his wife, Donnie Sue, I will miss the greatest love of my life as he was my rock for 44 years, married on June 27. 28 of those years he was dedicated to make sure the ancestors from way back when, got together each June and spend time together, leaving a heritage for the family. He is survived by a loving daughter, Sharon, and husband Todd Hopson, of Unicoi, and a precious son, Michael Ray of Johnson City. two grandsons, Zachary and Seth Hopson, two granddaughters, Amber Hopson and Emily Vance. A devoted sister, who was also an awesome caretaker, Mary and husband Jim Clay of Johnson City. two brothers, Glenn and Ruth Vance, and Ralph Vance and friend, Gametta, both of Michigan. three sister-in-laws, Shirley Vance of Elkton, Md, Lucille Vance, Johnson City, Margaret Dockery Litchfield Mn. & Vonda Dockery, Newport, Tn. two brothers-in-laws, Haskell & Herbert Dockery, Newport, TN., and a precious aunt, Geneva Vance of NC. Several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the O. H. Eargle family, Mark and B.J. Boshears, Willa Faris & Minton Williams, who came daily to read and pray and bring food. Jim & Sara Day, for many others of the daily outpouring of a Christlike love and care shown, Preceded in death, his parents, Richard & Clara Vance, 2 brothers, Harry Vance, who died February 20, 2008, and Marlin Vance & one sister, Dorothy Marie Vance. The funeral service for Ray Vance will be conducted at 8 PM Saturday June 28, 2008 in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Dr. Barry Burns will officiate. The graveside service will be conducted at 1 PM Sunday in the Eden Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be: Bob Eargle, Mack Bacon, David Carnes, Jim Clay, Hagan Tipton and Herbert Dockery. Honorary pallbearers will be: Derek Olson, Bob Davidson, Delano Hyder, Kelsey Ramsey, Ted Hopson, Tim Hopson, Sam Pinkerton and the ushers from Cornerstone Church. The VFW Post # 3382 and the Tennessee National Guard of Kingsport will accord military honors. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 12:15 PM Sunday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 8 PM Saturday prior to the service.