William Jennings Bryan Vance Jr. "Bill"

William Jennings Bryan Vance Jr. 95 of Whitman, WV, (you most likely knew him as “Bill”), when questioned about how he was doing, would always reply, “Blessed.” He is truly blessed today as he entered eternal life with his precious Savior on November 28, 2018 at Logan Regional Medical Center. His lovely spirit is carried on by his beloved wife of 71 years Beulah, his two children Sharon Davis (husband Gary) and Ted (wife Kelli), Daughter-in-law Lynn Vance, his five grandchildren, Bryan Davis (wife Katie), Jeffery Davis, Zac (wife Lindsay), William, and Logan Vance, his five great grandchildren Mason, Haley, Dallas, and William Davis and Benjamin Vance, his two surviving siblings Jack (wife Charlotte) and Danny (Jeanie) Vance and many nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but all loved and prayed for by Bill. He was preceded in death by his parents Bryan and Irene, three siblings Larry, Ruth, and Donald, and his son Walter.
​Born October 29, 1923 at Monaville, W.V., he graduated from Logan High School and immediately enlisted in the Navy in 1941. He served with distinction aboard the USS Kwajalein carrier escort throughout WWII. He participated in the battles that drove the Japanese from the Philippines and in the massive carrier raids on the Japanese home islands. He maintained lifelong friendships with his Navy buddies and attended many reunions with them throughout the years. Shortly after his discharge and return to Logan he met and married the love of his life, Beulah Mae Collins. They made their home at Whitman, WV, where they have resided for over 60 years. The majority of his work life was spent as a shop foreman at Central Hydraulics Company. He was a long time member and deacon of Mona-Hill Freewill Baptist Church where he served the Lord joyfully and faithfully for many years until his health prevented his service. He especially enjoyed visiting the sick in area hospitals to cheer them up, the Cincinnati Reds, and gardening. The last seven years of his life saw him fight a courageous battle with dementia ultimately leaving this world on November 28, 2018.
​His was a life of service, never too busy to visit the sick or shut-in, always willing to take a walk with a troubled soul, and never willing to utter a mean or harsh word to or about anyone. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but gladly welcomed into heaven by friends and loved ones waiting for him there.
​The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at Mona-Hill Freewill Baptist Church. The service will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday, at Mona-Hill Freewill Baptist Church, with Rev. Joseph Vance officiating. The burial service will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Serving as pallbearers will be his loving grandsons.
​The family wishes to offer a special tribute of thanks to Danny Vance and Niwana Napier for their diligent and loving care of Bill. He could not have been better cared for and only the Lord knows how much their service has meant to Bill and his family.
In lieu of flowers the family would much appreciate anyone who wishes to celebrate Bill’s life by making a donation to the Mona-Hill Freewill Baptist Church to do so in his name. Online condolences for the family can be left at www.Collinsfuneralhomewv.com. Collins Funeral Home of Switzer is assisting the Vance family with arrangements.