Vance McEwin Kelley

As a young man, Vance spent a lot of time with his older brother Taylor and his wife Doris. They would take him out to the movies, parks and church. He enjoyed going from Chattanooga, South Pittsburg and Jasper, TN with them. He was right there with Taylor and Doris when they started building there home in Chattanooga helping them move bricks for the foundation of their home and just playing in the dirt. Vance worked in various jobs along the way including two prominent African American doctors (Dr. Astrap & Dr. Moore) in South Pittsburg, TN before enlisting in the Air Force in September 1960 retiring in July 1982. He met his wife Ethelwyn (Nancy) Martin in South Pittsburg, TN. They were married on February 2, 1963 and remained married until she passed in April 2008. The Kelley crew moved from base to base during his military days, with the exception of his tour in Viet Nam and Guam. We were able to experience many places Germany, Washington, Oklahoma and Montana to name a few. Vance and family finally settled in Spokane, WA in 1982 where he retired after serving 22 years in the Air Force. After retiring from the military he landed a job at the United States Postal Service in Spokane, WA which he worked there for ( 20+years) until retiring a second time. Vance enjoyed his garden, fishing, running, collecting odd things, cooking and spending time with his family and friends.

Vance passed away on March 29, 2021, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his son John and daughter-in-law Sabrina (Vacaville, CA); daughter Djuana and son-in-law Anthony (Fayetteville, NC); Doris sister-in-law (Chattanooga, TN); 9 grand kids; 10 great grand kids; nieces, nephews and cousins. His wife Nancy, sons Michael and LaPorte, daughter Vera, brother Taylor and his parents proceeded him in death.

The Kelley family extends their gratitude to everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support.