Gary Lee Vance was born on March 23, 1959, in Cleveland OH. He went home peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior on October 7, 2017, at the young age of 58 years. He was surrounded by those who love him. He lived in Magnolia, Texas, in a home he helped design. Sitting on the deck and taking in God's beauty around him was one of his favorite pastimes.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Lee Grable Vance (Babydoll); his daughter Ciara Danielle Vance Shane and her husband Eli; son Brandon Lee Vance; three grandchildren Tristan, Kamilla and Sylas; his parents Ray and Mildred Canter; his sister Debbie Fritz and husband Lester; his sister Diane Vance; several nieces and nephews and so many cherished friends whom he loved as if they were his family.

Gary grew up in Bristol, TN and graduated from Bristol High School. He dabbled in many fields before he became a machinist in the oil industry for 25 years. He was a wizard when it came to precise measurements and fabricating items for work and for home.

Gary was quiet and shy until he got comfortable with you. Then he was 100% "game on." He would look at you with that twinkle in his eyes and shoot you that mischievous grin.   He could be heard on the cruise ship asking Jackie if she saw the Gulf of Mexico sign so very seriously. He knew she could be taken in by his gentle and kind ways only to be had again. Jackie asked what side of the ship was it on? Gary looked at her and grinned. "Duh. It's on the map. There is not a sign in the middle of the ocean!"

Gary loved to make beautiful pieces of wood art. He made amazing crosses, lazy susans, plaques and so much more. If you said you liked something, the next think you knew, he had made it out of wood for you. He really enjoyed playing games at the casinos in Las Vegas and Lake Charles. He spent lots of time online playing these games with computer money. He delighted in getting that big spin that netted him millions. He really enjoyed fishing especially with his Dad, Ray, when he came in from TN.

Gary was a self-taught bass player and keyboard player. He loved music so much that he took up teaching himself to play the drums, the harmonica and even tried the banjo. He played in a band in TN many years ago. His greatest love and sense of pride was when he became a member of the Magnolia Cowboy Church band. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. After some encouraging and maybe a little pushing, he sang "A little talk with Jesus" one time in church before his health declined.

Gary loved riding his Harley. He rode to Sturgis, SD., Bristol, TN, the Smoky Mountains, the Ozark Mountains, Hot Springs, AR and so many other places. He enjoyed these trips with his wife and family. It was always an adventure. He and Becky's Dad, "Pop" could be seen showing two very full moons over Queen Wilhelmina Mountain.

Gary never wanted to be the center of attention. He always left that to Becky. In everything they did, he was always encouraging and supporting. Gary took on many roles and titles which he wore proudly. He was PHD, outlaw, cowboy and Mr. V depending on what adventure they were on.

Once he loved you, it was forever. He loved his family and friends with all his heart. He had a deep love and way of relating to all the babies, kids and youngsters in his life. Little ones gave him such joy.

Gary was also truly a warrior. He suffered from a rare autoimmune disease, Scleroderma, for 25 years. He fought hard and at every turn. He took part in research and allowed all medical students and interns to come see him so they could learn as much as possible about this horrific disease. He was the very first patient in the GENESIS study over 20 years ago. He suffered greatly but felt if others could be helped, it would be "All Good!"

Gary's southern gentleman ways and charm, his "rock" eyebrow and mischievous grin, his redneck way of repurposing everything, his desire to give, serve and make everyone happy will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Rest in peace Mr. V. We know God greeted you with open arms and said well done my faithful servant.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Scleroderma Foundation in Gary's name. All donations made in his honor will be specifically tagged to go to research.