Nolan R. Vance

Vance, Nolan R. Sr. Master Sergeant, TANG, (RET), age 72 of Maryville, with family member at his bedside, passed away peacefully Friday , evening, December 15th at U.T. Medical Critical Care Unit , Knoxville, TN. He was a High Priest with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the Maryville Ward. In 1954 Noland joined the U.S. Air Force and was transferred in 1955 to the Maryville area where he continued to serve until he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1958. Upon discharge by the USAF he was hired by the Tennessee Air National Guard. He served active tours of duty with the 134th Air Fighter Group Air Defense and the 134th Air Refuel Group. Honorably as called upon by his country, he served 38 years of active service. His last assignment was Senior Chief of Avionics Section-Tennessee Air National Guard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel P. & Caroline Smallwood Vance; Brother, Roy S. Vance; and his twin sister, Norma Fay Vance. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, Wife of 53 years Betty, son, Roger L. Vance and wife Janice K Tipton Vance of Maryville, daughter, Angela D. Vance Rogers and husband Jay Rogers of Lenoir City, loving grandchildren, Brandi L. Vance, Mayville and fianc� Jerrod D. Slaton, Knoxville, Alicia A. Vance, of Maryville, David W. Rogers and wife Kellie Bingham of Lenoir City and Mandi H. Rogers of Knoxville. He is also survived by his brother Hughlan Vance and wife Gail of Arizona. Sister Ina Renneker of Clarendon, Arkansas and Francis Norwood of Iowa along with many loving relatives and special friends. A special thank you goes out to his care giver and friend Gail Caughron. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was a special example for his family. We will miss his strength, guidance, his determination and most of all his wit, humor and ability find good in all things until the end of his life. The family is grateful for the care and treatment given to Nolan by UT hospital staff members special family physicians and extended care providers at UT Health Care. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be sent to St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis or the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of Nolan. Receiving of friends will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Amerine Road, Maryville on Monday, December18, 2006 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm with the funeral service to follow immediately. Funeral procession will depart Smith Mortuary on Tuesday, December 19th at 9:45 am for a 10:00 am Entombment service at Grandview Mausoleum. Smith Mortuary, Maryville 983-1000, www.smithmortuary.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Nolan R. Vance please visit our Sympathy Store.