 Steve was a happy and joyous type of guy. Always smiling and cutting up. He reminds me if my dad so much. You will be missed, Steve. Love you .

I will always remember Uncle Steve as the "cool" uncle.  He never liked being a straight-laced kind of guy.  His offbeat humor was what I loved about him.  I mean, who didn't love his prayer at Thanksgiving?  Rub a dub dub, thank you for the grub, amen.  Let's eat.  He was the one that always said yes, even after mom and dad said no.  To me, he was a kinder, gentlery person who always made sure his voice was heard.

My brother. Stephen Lamar, was his given name. Steve Earl is what mama always called him. He was Steve to the rest of the world. Steve never met a stranger. He would strike up a conversation with every one he met. Most of the time, he would leave them laughing. I read one time that you may not remember what someone said but you will always remember how they made you feel. That was Steve's "calling". He always made you laugh and feel good about yourself. 
My dear Brother, you will be so missed. I love you Steve.
Your Sissie


I’m going to miss Uncle Steve so much. He had such a kind heart and constantly looked to make people laugh. I’m going to miss his jokes. I’m going to miss making fudge for him. I’m going to miss knowing he would help me at anytime I needed him. Jesus brought another good man home. 

My father was Uncle Steve's older brother, David. One summer when me and my younger brother Jessie were kids, Dad took us to go visit Uncle Steve when he was living in Woodstock, Ga. Uncle Steve loaded us up with a big blanket and food and drinks and he took us to Stone Mountain, Ga to spend the day. Stone Mountain has carvings of civil war Generals and their horses carved into a huge mountain like Mt. Rushmore. Later after dark there was a spectacular laser light show projected on the mountain that brought the carvings to life. I had never experienced anything like that before in my life. I will always remember that trip and I will always remember and love my Uncle Steve.

I have very fond memories of Steve, both from the past and more recent times. Steve is 5 years older, and when he was in high school, he and his friend, I believe his name was L....e, took me on an adventure one night. It involved a case of Schlitz Beer and a swimming pool. I didn't think much of it back then, but now that I'm older, I'm thinking, what a waste of all that good beer. 

The last time I saw Steve was in Mar of 2024 at the Barnyard Cafe in Saraland. We had a wonderful visit and shared lots of old memories. 

The photo, from left to right, shows Dewayne Thomas, Steve Vance, Garry Thomas, Hazel Thomas (Granny), Vilas Thomas (Bampis), and the back of Frankie Thomas' head. Dewayne and Frankie are my brothers. Son's of Billy.

My 1st cousin, Steve Vance. See you on the other side, bud.

I have fond memories of Steve, both old and more recent. Steve is 5 years older, and when he was in high school, he and his friend, I believe his name was L....e, took me on an adventure one night. It involved a case of Schlitz beer and a swimming pool. I didn't think much of it back then, but now that I'm older, I'm thinking, what a waste of all that good beer. 

The last time I saw Steve was in Mar of 2024 at the Barnyard Cafe in Saraland. We had a wonderful visit and shared lots of old memories. 

The photo, from left to right, shows Dewayne Thomas, Steve Vance, Garry Thomas, Hazel Thomas (Granny), Vilas Thomas (Bampis), and the back of Frankie Thomas' head. Dewayne and Frankie are my brothers. Son's of Billy.

My 1st cousin, Steve Vance. See you on the other side, bud.



 

There's a lot of memories I have of Uncle Steve. I’m sure people have already talked about how funny he was or how he would give the shirt off his back to help anyone out and both of those things are definitely true. We all could write an entire book about that but there’s one thing I always think of when I think about him. Most of you probably know about his “little friend” he kept in a sock in his pocket. Every time he would see me he would pat his pocket and ask me if I was “packing”. My answer was usually “no Uncle Steve, it’s Easter and I’m at my mothers house” or “no we are in a church and most people here are over the age of 70”. Me, Steve, and my dad once went to the range and after about an hour of shooting I don’t think he hit the target once! The only thing in danger of being shot by Steve was Steve. But it was a great time with two great men that I will remember forever. Hopefully there’s not a metal detector at the pearly gates cause I’m sure he’s packing there too. We love you Uncle Steve and we’re going to miss you dearly.

Stephen Vance was a bright, funny man. He was one of my husband's first tax customers, and mine as well. He loved God, his wife and his country. We will miss him. 

From the moment I met Uncle Steve, he welcomed me into the family and , of course, had me laughing. One of the first questions he asked me, “Are you packing?”.
He’d always been kind. He took care of his wife and family. I never saw him sad or mad. He always had a smile on his face with jokes that could last for hours. He never failed to make me smile. I never heard a bad thing about him; only the songs of his praises! There was definitely never a dull moment with him around. 
Matt, Gaige and I were able to celebrate this past Easter with Uncle Steve, his sweet wife, Glenda, Melissa and BJ. I will cherish the times I shared with him. He will never be in pain or suffer again. Death is bittersweet. I’m sad to see him go but elated he’s with our Lord in heaven. See you later, Uncle Steve. I love you. 

Steve lived by the beat of his own drum which made him so unique. He chose to live his life as a Simple Man. His presence, voice, laughter and most of all his smile will be missed. I called him Brother and he called me his Sister and that’s the   way it was and is. He was there anytime I needed  him just one call is all it took. I will love and miss you for the rest of my life but know I will meet you just inside the Eastern Gate!

Will always be remembered as my Uncle Steve ! He was such a kind and gentle man ! And I never saw him without a big smile ! I will never forget the day he got his motorcycle and pulled up in moms yard grinning and ready to ride ! I also appreciate him thinking of my mom as a sister and always knowing she could count on him ! Uncle Steve I know your at ease and having a great big family reunion! Until I meet you there tell all our family they are so missed as you will be as well !!

Q: What 3 words best describe Stephen and why?
            
            A: Star trek (original only)
Wagon Train
Jokes (steel trap memory)
 
Steve had a vast collection of Star Trek memorable he enjoyed owning and displaying. 

He texted me every afternoon at 3 to remind me to watch Wagon Train. He would call after the show to discuss that days episode. 

He loved to tell jokes. Whole stories you didn't know was a joke till the very end. He could remember them for years!

My brother was a wonderful friend to me too. We rode to school together in an old Austin Healy that he fixed up himself. Sometimes it wouldn't start after school so we would have to push it off. He'd jump in and pop the clutch and off we'd go. 

There was nobody better than Steve. I will surely miss him until I join him in heaven. I will also miss that three o'clock text. 

ALL ABOARD!  His last train has arrived at the station.

I am, and will always be your friend. (Spock to James T. Kirk)


I remember you taking me to the"Dump", that turned out to be a dog shelter, where you let me pick out the little ugly dog, like Bengie mixed with some other little dog.... walking around the pin having him fallow me.... you didnt try and talk me out of getting him. You said to me thats the one kido.... we took him home and Bear turned out to be the best dog ever.

Steve was such a good man. I never saw him with 
without a smile.  Thank you Steve for making each day a little brighter.

My Uncle Steve always had a joke to share and a smiles to give. He would give his time and would helpanyone in need. His joyspreaf like a wild fire! He was one in a trillion and a jack of all trades. He loved his family fiercely! Rest know! Until we meet again.
 Love, 
Jona

For as long as I can remember , I've always called Grandpa, "Gandpa with the boat". One of my very first memories of him is playing in his backyard and him taking me out on numerous boat rides. He would always share all the cool things he found, all the great fishing spots, the prettiest of views and things I never knew about all the rivers and canals he took us on. He always had jokes and stories to share , and I never had one memory of him ever being sad. He was a great inspiration for me, to be a more positive, and curious person. And I will continue to do so in his memory. Love you Grampa with the boat.

Dad, there is so much to say, and never enough time. I have so many stories and memories. My heart is thankful I had the chance to say I love you and hear you say it back one more time.

OBITUARY

Stephen Lamar Vance

January 20, 1952 – May 8, 2026

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