Jimmie Lee Vance

Jimmie Lee Vance, age 94 of Caney, KY, passed away on November 12, 2023, in Mt. Sterling, KY, after a short illness. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord & savior. He was born August 25th, 1929, in Caney, Morgan County, KY, to Lee Roy Vance and Tela Elizabeth Bailey Vance. Jimmie wed Sue Mounts on July 19, 1953, and they were united in marriage for 68 years. Together they raised six children.

Jimmie was a veteran, serving the US Army in Germany during his enlistment. After enlistment, he worked around the State with road crews and transformed travel for many Kentuckians through the middle of the 20th century. Once retired, he was home in Caney working on the farm, growing tobacco, and tending his garden. He was often seen on his tractor working in the fields.

To his grandchildren, Jimmie was known as “papa” (pronounced “papaw”). Though reserved by nature, he delighted in surprising his grandchildren with gifts of pocketknives, baseball caps, and handfuls of quarters. What’s more, his basement fridge – always stocked with sweets – was open 24 hours a day to grandkids looking to sneak a treat. But these gifts weren’t entirely free. Papa collected compensation by lovingly razzing his grandchildren about their latest fashions and hairstyles.

A quiet man, Jimmie showed his softer side with the many pets he cared for over his lifetime, most notably his beloved cat Cap. He was an animal lover through and through adopting stray cats and dogs and always ensuring each had a name, shelter, and a full bowl of food. His pets were fond of him too, and you would often hear them doting on each other while lounging in his basement recliner.

Jimmie was a sweet soul who appreciated being surrounded by family, especially when we could all gather outdoors on warm summer afternoons.

Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Roy Vance and Tela E. Bailey Vance; his wife, Sue Vance; a brother, Edward R. Vance; and a sister, Mildred M. Kirk.

He is survived by his children, Sonny (Suzanne) Vance of Cottle, KY; Shirley (Bill) Price of West Bend, WI; Kim (Buff) Litteral of West Liberty, KY; Keith (Leah) Vance of Mt. Sterling, KY; Kellie (Steve) Haney of Lexington, KY; and Ericka Holbrook of Winchester, KY; and grandchildren, Kendall (Allie) Vance, Leahshea Vance, Jenessa (Adam) Pistiner, Alex Price, Brian (Liz) Vance, Adam (Mystri) Vance, Kristin (Adam) Lawson, Colby (Nicole) Haney, and Kaitlin (James) Frazier; Charlie, Jay, and Julia and fourteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Vivian House, Jean Nickell, and Betty Wells with a host of nieces, nephews, special friend and caregiver Cornetta Conner, and his many friends.

A private funeral service will be at the Herald & Stewart & Halsey Chapel with Minister Danny Collins officiating. Burial will follow in the Vance  Cemetery, Vance Fork, KY. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Private visitation, family only. Herald & Stewart & Halsey Funeral Home, West Liberty, KY. Military Honors will be conducted by the Morgan County DAV Chapter 132.

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