Edward Howell Vance

Edward “Eddie” Vance, a long-time resident of Christiansburg, passed away on September 11, 2014.

Eddie was the second of four sons born to Ruley C. and Hannah Arwood Vance (Hale) in Page, Buchanan County, Va. His father passed away when he was 8 years old. At the age of 16, he joined the CCCs and later he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a gunner’s mate on ships off the coast of North Africa and Egypt. When he was discharged from the Navy in 1945 he headed back home to Buchanan County but, when the bus made a stop in Christiansburg, he stepped off the bus and decided “here is where I want to live.” He rented a room, got a job, met his future wife, Alma Davidson, and never left. He retired from the Christiansburg Post Office after 30 years of service. He was a charter member of the Christiansburg Life Saving and First Aid Crew, a member of the Christiansburg Lion’s Club, the VFW, as well as the Montgomery Hunt and Fish Club at Claytor Lake. Eddie loved people and had many friends in Christiansburg, many of whom have passed on before him.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edgar, Carl, Clide Vance, and Therman Hale. His ex-wife, Carolyn, is also deceased. Eddie is survived by his son Larry Vance and Donna Ennis; his former wife and Larry’s mom, Alma; and their grandchildren, Matthew (Robin) Vance and Jennifer Van-Sprouse; and 4 great-grandchildren, Jackson Penn Vance, Kyla, Archer, and Max Van-Sprouse, all of Richmond. He is also survived by sister, Faye Hale Wilson (Dean) of Flint, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.

Eddie has been a resident of Richfield in Salem since 2009. The family wishes to thank the staff of Richfield for the great care they afforded Eddie while he resided there.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2014, at Horne Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Neal Turner officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery.

Contributions to Christiansburg Rescue Squad, Christiansburg Lion’s Club or Good Samaritan Hospice in Eddie’s memory would be appreciated.