Ollie "Larry" Lawrence Vance

February 5, 1937 – June 13, 2026

Ollie Lawrence Vance, lovingly known as Larry, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on February 5, 1937, Larry grew up in the Woodlawn community, attending St. Clement Catholic Elementary School and graduating from Woodlawn High School in 1955, where he was a proud member of the Woodlawn Warblers, a men’s choral club. His passion for learning led him to Auburn University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering.

Larry’s professional journey began at Pratt & Whitney, an aerospace manufacturer in West Palm Beach, Florida. He later pursued and completed his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. Upon earning his doctorate, Larry accepted a faculty position at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he taught for many years. As a gifted and dedicated teacher, Larry received the honor of “Teacher of the Year” multiple times, a reflection of the respect and admiration he earned from his students. In addition to academia, he was frequently sought after as an expert witness in legal cases, sharing his knowledge and expertise well beyond the classroom.

Outside of his career, Larry lived life with joy and enthusiasm. He loved boating, hunting, handball, and especially dancing. He was an active member of the Magic City Boppers social dance club, where he served on the board for many years and developed lifelong friendships. He also co-founded the Woodlawn Lunch Bunch Group, which brought together classmates and friends to reconnect and share memories.

Above all, Larry loved life, his family, his friends, and people. He shared his joy of living with everyone he met, and his laughter will forever resound in the hearts of those who knew him.

Larry is predeceased by and will reunite with his loved ones: his parents, Ollie and Mildred Vance; his son, Michael L. Vance; and his sister, Janet Vance Holler, along with many other family and friends he loved.

He leaves behind his daughter, Peggy Vance Powers; his loving lady friend, Brenda West; his sister, Carol Vance Lecklitner; his granddaughter, Lexie Novarra, and her husband, Taylor; his grandson, Cayden Powers; two great-grandchildren; his niece, Leigh Ann Hays; and his grand-nephew, Courtland Hays. His family and friends will forever cherish his memory and the love he so generously gave. He will be missed.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.