Henry Vance Starnes

Vance grew up and graduated from high school in Monroe, NC. He spent most of his life in Charlotte, where he married Jewell Ann Green in 1950. He lived in the house he helped build for fifty-five years. He moved close to his daughter in Greensboro in 2010, and lived in two different assisted living communities until making his home at Clapps Nursing Center two and a half years ago. Vance’s family expresses its deepest gratitude for the excellent and compassionate care he received while there.

Vance was a faithful husband to his wife Jewell of 50 years and a devoted father to his only daughter Carol. He dearly loved his son-in-law Phil, and he was so proud of his only grandson Nathan.

Vance became interested in construction when he helped his uncle with all phases of building a gas station in Charlotte. He later took a job as a pipefitter and mastered the trade, working on many different types of piping systems. The use of air conditioning was developing in the commercial construction industry, and Vance’s diligence and attention to detail made him well suited as an installer of evolving refrigeration technology. His insatiable desire to know how everything worked coupled with mechanical aptitude led him to become an invaluable HVAC Service Technician. He retired form Southern Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning of Charlotte, Inc.

Vance spent many hours volunteering his mechanical skills with neighbors and friends. He was recognized in 1988, by the Deacons of his beloved church, Thomasboro Presbyterian, for his talents and generosity in maintaining the church HVAC systems for three decades.

Vance loved nature and being outside in the warm weather. He loved science and tinkering with anything mechanical. And he loved music.

Vance is survived by his daughter Carol Starnes Vercaemert and husband, Philippe Henry Vercaemert of Whitsett, NC; grandson Nathan Henry Vercaemert of Greensboro, NC and his sister, Margaret Starnes Kidd of Charlotte, NC and her family. His brother David Ward Starnes of Lancaster, SC, passed away shortly after Vance on the same day. Also surviving is David Ward Starnes’ family. Vance was pre-deceased by his wife Jewell Ann Green, mother Odessa Blanche Walden, father Henry Hazel Starnes, and sister Dorothy Starnes Couick.

A graveside service will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery West in Charlotte, NC. Donations can be made to Clapps Nursing Center, 5229 Appomattox Road, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313, First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, 617 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 or a charity of your choice.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Starnes family. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.