Raymond Otto Vance

Raymond Otto (RO) Vance, Jr., 87, of Sylva passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, NC. R O was born April 29, 1927 in Sylva, NC. He is the son of the late Rev. Raymond Otto and the late Sally (Green) Vance Sr. He was preceded in death by six sisters and five brothers. He served in the US Navy during World War II. R. O. worked at the Western Auto for fifteen years. Then he worked for Swift and Company selling feed to farmers in Haywood, Macon and Jackson counties. He opened Vance Hardware in Sylva on May 15, 1963 and became an appliance repairman with his business for 51 Years. He was a retired member of the Sylva Fire Department serving twenty five years. He served as a Deacon and was a member of the Sylva First Baptist Church He is survived by his wife of 66 years Willetta(Cope) Vance and two daughters Glenda and husband John Dills of Webster and Sharon and husband Kirk Hooper of Brevard and a son Mike Vance of Simpsonville, SC. Grandchildren Shelley Dills, Natalie Dills Lester and husband Matt, Brooke Dills, Amber Hooper Scott and husband Patrick and Forrest Hooper. Six Great Grandchildren; Kenny Campbell, Ivy Scott, Leigh Hooper, Camille Scott, Abbie Lester and Mia Lester. One brother also survives, Rev. Harry Vance. The Funeral Service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, October 10 at Sylva First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeff Mathis officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Gardens with Fire Department Honors. Pallbearers will be: Arthur Dillard, Ottie Vance, Tommy Bennett, Chuck Vance, Bart Bennett and Mark Bennett. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 9 from 6:00-9:00PM at Appalachian Funeral Services 165 Skyland Drive, Sylva. Memorials are requested to Sylva First Baptist Church Future Fund or Summer Mission Fund 669 West Main Street Sylva, NC 28779. Online register at www.appalachianfuneralservices.com .