OBITUARY: Billy Vance

William Harvey Vance Jr. (Billy) was born on Dec. 19th, 1950 in Baltimore, MD and departed this life on Feb. 21, 2025 surrounded with family at his home in Watertown.

Billy was preceded in death by his Loving bride, Sherry Vance in 2018 and their son, William Harvey Vance III (little Billy) and his parents, Jack and Frances Hollar.

Billy is survived by his children, Annie (James) Petty, Buck (Stephanie) Vance, Billie Gene (Troy) Adams, Rebekah (Jeff) Blythe. His grandchildren James (Jessica) Stencil, Samantha (Brian) Clark, Brianna (Lucas) Young, Joshua (Isabella) Young, Donavan Petty, Will (Jasmine) Vance, Lliam Vance, Lilli Vance, Zachary Adams, Dakota Hale, Billy Hale, Helen Hale, Samantha Hale, Peyton Blythe and Cody Blythe; great-grandchildren, Carter Johnson, Harlie Stanford, Afton Stencil, Granby Stencil.

Sisters, Cathy (Gary) Blankenship, Ellen Hutchinson, Susan Porter and Barbara Elmer, special nephew Danny Crawford, many cousins, nieces, nephews and his beloved dog Rosie.

Billy lived a successful and fulfilling life. To most, he was affectionately known as “Uncle Billy’ whether he was your Uncle or not. He was a leader, a friend and a man of his word. He loved the Lord, our country and his family.

Billy was a member and Sunday School teacher at Poplar Hill Baptist Church. He took a huge part in making the best decorations and helping with programs and VBS. He was very talented and creative. He loved stray dogs, fishing, camping, writing songs and poetry, singing and playing his guitar. He also enjoyed woodworking and would spend countless hours in his workshop making gifts for people.

He was especially known for always giving a peace sign, his love for Indianapolis Colts football, his quirky jokes, sense of humor and of course, beating the odds. Billy was the Valedictorian of his graduating class, a US Army Veteran, a lineman, Fireman and EMT in Baltimore MD. He received a medal of honor/distinguished citizen award from the mayor and City Of Baltimore for saving a woman from a house fire which put the spark in his eye to become a fireman.

There were many accomplishments but his greatest was being a husband, dad and papa. He was so proud and loved his grandkids and you never had a conversation without them being mentioned.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at Hunter Funeral Home with Jeff Oliver, James Earl Petty and David Lawson officiating. Visitation 3-8 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. till service time on Tuesday.

Pallbearers, James Stencil, Joshua Young, Donavan Petty, Zachary Adams, Will Vance and Dakota Hale.

Interment will follow at Eastern Gate Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to his home health workers, Michelle Lasater and Jen Wright. Also Jessy Hall at LHHR. You became our family and you treated our dad as your own. We are eternally grateful for your love and service to our family.