William Roger Vance

William Roger Vance, 63, of NC Hwy 126, Morganton, NC, died Friday, December 14, 2007 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, NC. Born in Avery County, NC on June 2, 1944, he was the son of Katherine Vance Stewart of Newland, NC and the late Walter Stewart. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Quincy Wilson; his maternal grandmother, Mae Vance; and his maternal grandfather, Dempsey Vance. William was a member of Linville United Methodist Church. He retired from Western Carolina Center and was a volunteer for the Lake James Fire Department. He was a former school-bus driver for Burke County.In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Lila Forbes Vance of the home; a son, James Vance and wife, Tracy, of Morganton; daughters, Melissa Hart and husband, Tony, of Hickory, NC and Jackie Dishman and husband, Joe, of Morganton; brothers, Calvin Stewart of Spruce Pine, NC, Nate Stewart of Spruce Pine, and Tommy Stewart of Newland; a sister, Elizabeth Elmore of Connelly Springs, NC; grandchildren, Amiee Jones, Andrew Jones, Alex Jones, Ethan Vance, Emily Vance, Samantha Hart, and Chad Hart; and a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at Linville United Methodist Church with the Reverends Cornelius Brantley and Keith Nichols officiating. The graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday at the Pisgah United Methodist Church Cemetery in Linville Falls. At other times the family will at the home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake James Fire Department, 3222 NC Hwy 126, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Linville United Methodist Church, 3625 Fish Hatchery Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.