Charles J. Vance Jr.

Charles Jefferson Vance, Jr., 88, a life-long resident of Jacksonville, FL, peacefully passed away into God’s eternal care surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 8, 2012. He was born on May 6, 1924, a son to Charles J. Vance, Sr. and May (Butler) Vance. Charles graduated from Robert E. Lee High School on June 5, 1942, and he then enlisted for service in the U.S. Navy for World War II. He served in the Pacific Theatre as a Radioman 3rd Class, SV 6, on PT Boat 473 in the Mosquito Squadron (RON 31). He was honorably discharged on February 23, 1946 and married Nelda Eugenia Putnal on November 22, 1947. After leaving the Navy, Charles joined his father at the Seaboard Railroad where he worked for 41 years.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Nelda; his one and only son, Charles J. Vance III and wife Linda and their two sons, David and his wife Anna and Jason; his sister, June Castator and husband Donald; and his niece Nancy Mehner and nephew Vance Castator and their families.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, December 14, 2012 between 10 and 11 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home on 4315 Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. The Memorial Service will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will be officiated by Pastor Arthur Taylor of Highlands Baptist Church. Charles will be buried at 1:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to “Make-A-Wish Foundation” in Charles’ memory.

Online condolences may be made to www.hardage-giddensmainst.com