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- Obituary for DR. BOONEY VANCE
Dr. Hubert "Booney" Vance Jr. died with dignity on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 after a short but valiant fight against idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Dr. Vance was born in Johnson City, Tennessee on November 27, 1941. He is preceded in death by his mother (Mildred Barnett Vance), and by his father (Hubert Robert Vance Sr.). He leaves his immediate family, loving wife Sandra Barlow Vance, daughter Shannon Vance Harris and son-in-law Paul Harris, and granddaughter Olivia Vance; daughter Megan Vance and granddaughter Sarah Vance, all of Johnson City. Also he leaves his three brothers and sisters-in-law Jerry Vance (wife Penny) of Hopewell, Virginia, Carroll Vance (wife Michele) of New Brighton, Minnesota, and Donald Vance (wife Theresa) of Johnson City. In addition, he leaves scores of close friends and family with whom he had deep and meaningful relationships.
Booney was a friend and role model, scholar and teacher, and an athlete. Seldom has one person touched so many lives in unforgettable ways. He was the epitome of a true friend. One could always rely upon him for an ear of genuine concern, and strong and lasting support. His circle encompassed diversity from throughout the world. His unbridled enthusiasm, warm personality and matchless humor brightened the darkest room. Always the optimist, "can't" was not part of his vocabulary. His goal was to improve the life of those around him. Those who Booney touched continue on with a hole in their heart, but we are blessed because he was a part of our life's journey.
Dr. Vance was a remarkable teacher. Although he had a learning disability, his character, drive and will led him to obtain a PH.D. in Educational Psychology from The Ohio State University. While he taught at several universities, his heart was always tied to East Tennessee State University, his undergraduate alma mater. For the last several years, Booney has served ETSU and the Quillen College of Medicine as a professor in learning disorders and care of dementia disabled adults. He was a world-renowned scholar, leader, and speaker on childhood learning disorders and more recently care of disabled adults. His striking number of peer reviewed journal articles, books, and speaking invitations attest to his stature and influence. His legacy in novel approaches for treatment of learning disabilities and dementia will live in the physicians and students with whom he had contact.
Equally important to him was his service to Sinking Creek Baptist Church as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. His God was always in his classroom and in his life. Never was he in doubt about God's love for all of us whatever our station in life. The beacon of education has been brightened by his life, and the influence he had upon his classes.
In his life and in death, Booney was a competitor. He was a gifted athlete earning the Science Hill PlowBoy award in 1964. He attended the University of South Carolina and East Tennessee State University on football scholarships, playing a hard-hitting defensive back. Booney was an excellent fisherman. He taught his brothers, Donald and Carroll, the fundamentals of trout and bass fishing, but he never let them catch more than him. He was a life-long jogger, exercising up until the last twelve weeks of his life.
We were truly blessed to have Booney with us. He enriched our lives; made us better people, graced us with laughter, and showed us God's way. He taught us how to live and how to die. He was truly a child of God.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the Johnson City Medical Center and the Vanderbilt Coronary Unit for all the care and support given.
Memorial services will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2004 at Sinking Creek Baptist Church. Pastor Reece Harris will preside. Family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Church and a meal reception will be held at the Family Life Center following the service. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny and Janet Jones, Mike Ponder, Fred Stewart, Paul Harris, Booney Vance Sunday School Class, Bill Perry, Tony Katras, Jerry Robertson, Jack Cox, C.B. Kinch, Broad Lett, Mike and Sara Sellers, Ali Al-Gavatli, Stewart Leicht, Brian Mohney, Herman Tipton, Roland Henderson, Sam Humphreys, Steve Smith, Curt Koffman, and Rusty Crowe. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Sinking Creek Baptist Church or to the West Carter County Volunteer Fire Department, 2313 Elizabethton Highway, Johnson City, TN 37601.
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1941 - 2004 (62 years)
