Nicholas Dulion Vance

Nicholas Dulion Vance was born on July 18, 1934 in Birmingham, Alabama to Margaret Dulion Vance and Nicholas Rosseau Vance. He died on February 7, 2022 at his home in Pelham, Alabama, surrounded by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Hinton Vance, whom he married on June 25, 1983; his sons Stephen Lee Vance (Gaye), and Brandon Duane Cagle; his grandchildren, Alexandra Vance Harris, Mark Nicklaus Vance, Paul Stephen Vance, Erin Nicole Cagle, and Emily Madison Cagle; and his great grandchildren Madilyn Grace Harris, Autumn Bailey Harris, and Liam Christopher Kimbrell; along with many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his dog Goldie whom he loved so much.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret “Sug” Vance, his father, Nicholas Rousseau Vance, his daughter Elizabeth Ann Vance, his sisters Kathryn Vance Heyer, Margaret Vance Schlosser, and Jane Vance Jones, and his former wife Marilyn Shepherd.

He graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) in 1956 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of honor fraternities Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma. He was a lifelong Auburn fan. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army in the Corps of Engineers. After his military service he began his 50+ year career as a mechanical contractor in the family business Mason & Dulion, which later became M & D Mechanical. In 2011 he was awarded “The Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award” by Associated Builders and Contractors which is presented annually to an individual for their lifetime contribution to the construction industry, one who has proven to their peers that integrity and business ethics are the true measures of success. He was a man of his word and was well respected in his industry.

His favorite hobby was golf, and this passion led to the formation of a group of friends and business associates known as “The Bogey Boys.” This group took at least a couple of trips a year to play golf and enjoy their time together. In his later years he was unable to play, but he still kept his golf clubs in the trunk.

He loved going out to eat and was a wine aficionado, collecting many bottles through the years. He always enjoyed having family and friends over and sharing a glass of wine together.

The Big Guy will be remembered by many for his wonderful sense of humor. He was a kind and gentle man who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.