H. Vance Smith

His parents were Harry Carswell Smith of Tampa FL and Mary Margret Vance of Tampa FL. Vance practiced law in Tampa for 50 years and was always generous with his legal skills. While a young attorney at Macfarlane Ferguson, Allison, and Kelly (MacFAK), he learned respect for the law under the tutelage of T. Paine Kelly; a principle that Vance applied consistently throughout his years of practice. He was a founding partner of Smith, Clark Delesie, Bierley, Mueller, and Kadyk. He retired from the law in 2018. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sylvia “Nootchie” Vega; his three children, C. Vance, Layton H., and Celestino C. “Cam”; his daughters-in-law, Courtney Howell and Erin Reich; his five grandchildren, Carswell Reich, Cason Corral, Elizabeth Vega, Caroline Corral and Graham Vance; and his sister Mary Margret Smith Dolcimascolo and family.

The Smith family extends their gratitude to the nurses in the critical care unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their excellent care and support.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation.