ERNEST MORRIS VANCE
Ernie Vance, a righteous and devout man, filled with the Holy Spirit, Now Lord you are releasing your bond servant to depart in peace, according to your word,
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.
Ernest Morris Vance, age 85, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington. He was born May 25, 1921 in Pineola, North Carolina, the son of Howard and Lola Clark Vance.
Ernie graduated from Crossnore High School in 1940 and joined the US Navy soon thereafter. He was assigned to the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco which earned 17 battle stars making her one of the most decorated war ships in United States history. Ernie was stationed at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and survived the infamous attack on December 7th. He was involved in many more skirmishes in the South Pacific Theatre including the Battle of Guadalcanal.
While home on leave, he met the love of his life, Wilma Johnson and they were married on June 10, 1945 and enjoyed 61+ years together. Ernie retired from Seattle City Light in Newhalem after 30 years of service as a carpenter. He built a retirement home in Burlington where he and his wife lived for the remainder of his life.
Ernie was a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, the USS San Francisco Association, and the Skagit Gleeners. He was a member and a Deacon at Calvary Baptist Church where he also taught Sunday School. His carpentry skills allowed him to be instrumental in various building projects at the church. As a young man, he was an avid hunter and fisherman and continued these hobbies into his later years. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, and helping his wife with the seasonal canning and most of all spending time with his family
Ernest is survived by his wife Wilma at the family home in Burlington. Three daughters; Tina Allen and her husband Rick of Centralia, WA, Patricia Nelles and her husband Roger of Wasilla, AK, and Linda Cheek and her husband Mike of Mount Vernon, WA. Ernie loved and enjoyed his 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He also leaves a brother Wade Vance and 4 sisters, Wilsa Smith, Nancy Pennington, Peggy Travison, and Teena McNeely all of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and 5 brothers.
Public viewing will be held Tuesday, April 24th from 9AM to 5PM at Lemley Chapel.
Graveside Services with Military Honors will be Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 11:00AM at the Hamilton Cemetery with a Memorial Service to follow at 2:00PM at the Calvary Baptist Church 324 Avon Ave in Burlington with Pastor Leon Meyer officiating. A reception will immediately follow the services. Memorials are suggested to the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
