Lesley Vance

Representative Lesley Vance, 76, of Phenix City, AL passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at the Columbus Hospice Midtown Medical Center West in Columbus, GA. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday morning at Summerville Baptist Church in Phenix City, AL with Rev. Grant Parker and Rev. Rob Goodman officiating, according to Vance Memorial Chapel.  A private interment will be held following the service.  He will lie in state Thursday from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm at Vance Memorial Chapel, 3738 Hwy 431 North, Phenix City, AL.  The family will be present from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.

Mr. Vance was born October 23, 1939 in Pike County, AL, son of the late Jessie James Vance and Minnie Bedsole Vance.  He began his career in the funeral service industry in 1957 at the age of 18 with Britton and Dobbs Funeral Home.  In 1975 he acquired the funeral home and changed the name to Vance Memorial Chapel.  Ten years later, in 1985 he opened a second location, Vance-Brooks Funeral Home in Columbus, GA.  He has served the families in these two communities for 58 years in the funeral service industry.  Serving families in their time of need was his calling.  He treated everyone the same, regardless of their social or economic status.  Mr. Vance truly strived to treat everyone just like family. 

Mr. Vance entered his first political race at the age of 22 and was defeated by 22 votes.  That would be the last time he would be defeated in a political race.  He served as Coroner of Russell County for 27 years, a Russell County Councilman for 2 years and an Alabama State Representative for 21 years.  During his tenure as a representative, he served on the Transportation Committee, Health Committees and Chaired the Banking and Insurance Committee.  Mr. Vance was instrumental in the completion of the Highway 431 South four lane project, the completion of the 5th Ave Extension and the Riverchase exits off of Highway 80, as well as many other projects.

Mr. Vance was a long time member of the Phenix City Jaycees and the Golden Quarter Club.  He also served on the board of the American Red Cross and the Phenix City Girls Club for many years.  Additionally, he was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers.

Mr. Vance is survived by his loving wife Patricia Whitlow Vance of Phenix City, AL; two daughters, Leslie Ann Vance Gagnon and husband Joe of Syracuse, NY and Carmen Brooks and husband Lance of Phenix City, AL; one son, Christopher K. Clary of Phenix City, AL; three sisters, Sarah Abercrombie, Ruth Corbitt, both of Phenix City, AL and Louise Morris “Bootsy” of Pensacola, FL; two brothers, Landon Vance and wife Betty and twin brother Wesley Vance both of Phenix City, AL; five grandchildren, Logan Vance, Jacob Brewer, Jared Brewer, James Brooks and Lauran Gagnon; several nieces, nephews and many other loving family members and caring friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Epworth United Methodist Church building fund, 3763 Hwy 431, Phenix City, AL 36867 or Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the John B. Amos Cancer Center and the staff of Columbus Hospice for their care and compassion during Mr. Vance’s illness. 

Online condolences may be left at www.vancememoialchapel.net.