Bobby Don Vance, age 67, passed away at his home on Saturday, September 15th, as his long-fought battle with cancer came to an end. He was a native and lifelong resident of Cannon County, a member of the Woodbury Church of Christ, and a retired dairy farmer.
Mr. Vance was preceded in death by his father, Hoyte Vance; brother-in-law, Johnny Melton; and father-in-law & mother-in-law, Charles & Rebecca Davenport.
He is survived by his mother, Mamie Vance; his wife of almost 44 years, Glenda Davenport Vance; sons Mark (Stephanie) and Michael (April) Vance; a brother, Marty Vance, and a sister, Barbara Melton, all of Cannon County; brother-in-law, Doug (Dana) Davenport, of Great Falls, MT. He is also survived by uncles James Vance and John (Betty) King; and an aunt, Chick Smithson, all of Woodbury; a nephew and nieces, Jason (Kristy) Melton and Callie Vance, of Woodbury; and Emily (Brent) Hargrove, of Manchester; Erin Davenport, of Minneapolis; and Samantha Davenport, of Great Falls, MT. Last, but not least, Bobby is survived by the apples of his eye, four special young ladies who were their Granddad’s pride and joy; granddaughters, Reese, Ryder, Renley, and Makenzie Vance. Several cousins, great nephews & nieces, and many good friends also survive.
A graduate of Cannon County High School, Bobby was President of the Class of 1969. He also graduated MTSU with a B.S. in Animal Science. Mr. Vance was a longtime member of the Volunteer Beagle Club, former President of the Cannon County Walking Horse Association, and was a former Director of the Cannon County Farm Bureau. Bobby enjoyed training and showing spotted saddle horses for several years with his sons when they were small children. They won countless trophies showing their horses, and often went as a family on the Ride-A-Thon. His favorite hobby was rabbit hunting with his friends, and later, competing in Field Trials with his prized Beagle dogs. Bobby had registered Beagles for many, many years, right up until shortly before his death. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was very proud of his family. He loved his friends and his church family, especially his Monday Men’s Bible Class. Bobby was strong in his faith. A firm believer in God and His Word, Bobby was ready to go Home.
Funeral Services will be 2 PM Tuesday, September 18, 2018 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bros. Daniel Hayes, Al Bugg, & Andy Walker officiating. Interment will follow at McMahan Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 8 PM Monday, September 17, 2018 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodbury Day School or to Short Mountain Bible Camp. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
