Michael J. Vance, 77, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022, from complications of dementia. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 40 years, Gail Vance, in 2012.
Mike was born on January 18, 1945, in Racine Wisconsin to the late Colonel Johnnie Vance, USMC (Ret) and to Patricia ‘Skip’ Vance. After graduating from Norview High School in Norfolk Virginia, he served in the Army during Vietnam and was stationed in Germany. After his military service, Mike worked professionally as a bar manager in Spain and as a pilot before finding his calling in real estate. Mike was a respected real estate broker in the Hampton Roads area for over 40 years, equally skilled in both residential and commercial properties. He owned his own real estate company, Smith & Vance Century 21 until he joined William E. Wood (now Howard Hanna Realty). Mike had a strong work ethic and was described as a “pitbull”, being highly adept at negotiations and always working hard to find or sell the perfect properties for his clients at just the right price.
Mike loved his family deeply and enjoyed spending time and vacationing with them. In his spare time, he also enjoyed golfing, white water rafting, camping, walking, watching westerns and sharing laughs and shooting pool with his longtime friends at the garage and at Dockside bar.
Mike is survived by his sons, Christopher J. Vance and Justin T. Vance and wife, Kenyetta W. Vance; two grandchildren, Benjamin T. Vance and Amaya R. Vance; his mother, Skip Vance; brothers-in-law, TC Jones and Dan Kelly; nieces, Julie Walsh and Kristina de la Flor; nephew, Linwood Jones and a host of extended family members. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Vance; his sisters, Kathie Kelly and Patricia Vance and nephew, Brandon Allen.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at King’s Grant Presbyterian Church, 745 Little Neck Rd, Virginia Beach VA 23452, with a reception to follow. Mike’s favorite attire was casual and his request is that those who come to celebrate his life, dress casual as well.
The family would like to express its deepest gratitude to friends and family members that provided significant support and assistance to Mike during his illness, including Dorsey, Jim Lutz, Donald Downs, Danny Littman and Coty Welborn.
The family would also like to give a special thank you to Sentara Hospice for their loving care and support of Mike during his final days; and to Mike Strickland with Family Choice Funerals & Cremations and the pastor and staff at King’s Grant Presbyterian Church for all being so accommodating and understanding during this difficult time.