Donald Keith Vance, of Hixson, Tennessee, went home to be with his
Heavenly Father, June 22, 2021. He was 90 years old.
Donald was born on Sept. 19, 1930, in Versailles, to Henry P. and Jennie
L. Vance. He attended Griers Creek Elementary School and graduated from
Versailles High School in May 1946.
He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve after graduation from high school,
receiving training at Great Lakes Naval Base and aboard a naval
destroyer, with ports of call San Juan, Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba. He attended The University of Kentucky in 1949 and 1950, majoring
in pharmacy. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in December 1950, and was
assigned to Lackland AFB near San Antonio, Texas for basic training. He
was then stationed at F.E. Warren AFB near Cheyenne, Wyoming for
technical training. His next assignment was Warner Robins AFB near
Macon, Georgia, where he spent six months in on-the-job training. He
then served with the Occupation Forces in Germany for three years as a
communication equipment maintenance technician.
Upon discharge from the Air Force, he enrolled at the University of
Kentucky with a major in Electrical Engineering. He earned a Bachelor of
Science degree, graduating in August 1958. He was a member of Tau Beta
Pi and Eta Kappa Nu engineering honor societies while attending UK.
He was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Chattanooga,
Tennessee for 32 years, working in communications. He was supervisor of
communication projects at retirement. He was a charter member of the
Chattanooga Chapter of the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop
Quartet Singing in America, Inc. He served as music director for 15
years at Falling Water Baptist Church near Chattanooga while employed by
TVA.
Donald was an avid tennis player and played in tournaments in many
southeastern United States venues. He and his wife enjoyed motor home
travel, ocean cruises and tours of Europe. He enjoyed playing the fiddle
and singing at many “jam” sessions in the Chattanooga area.
The family would like to thank Hearth Hospice for their love and support
and for caregivers Christie, Joyce, April and Avery.
He is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Evalena Vance; his
daughters, Freda (Randy) Keener and Rhonda (Don) Abbott; two grandsons,
Hunter (Lindsey) and Hayden (Alexis) Abbott; a brother, Henry Moss
Vance, of Lexington; and many nieces and nephews. A brother, Kenneth
Vance, and sister, Anita Wash, are deceased.
A private family graveside service will be at Chattanooga National
Cemetery with military honors. There will be no public visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Falling Water Baptist
Church, 523 Roberts Mill Rd., Hixson, Tenn. 37343 or to the Salvation
Army or charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506
Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tenn. (423) 531-3975.