David "Sonny" Barto Vance Sr.

David Barto “Sonny” Vance, Sr., age 89, entered his heavenly home, 1/22/2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and Dementia. A native of Haywood County, David was born December 9, 1936 to the late David and Bonnie Warren Vance. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Jeanne Powell Vance, two infant grandchildren; brother, Tommy Vance; and brother-in-law, John Noland.

David was a hard-working man who loved his family very much and worked hard to provide for them. He was a 1955 graduate of Bethel High School and after graduation proudly and honorably served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After his stint in the USAF, he returned home and began working at Champion International. He retired with 33 years’ service and was a Champion Old Timer. He was co-owner of Vance Enterprises, Inc.

When Daddy was in his late 30s, he went back to school through the GI Bill, and received an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Haywood Community College. He was very proud of this accomplishment. He was a lifelong member of Bethel Methodist Church. He loved NASCAR, and his favorite driver was #3, Dale Earnhardt. He was a member for many years with the Southern Appalachian Cloggers and the J Creek Cloggers. During his illness, if you put on bluegrass music, his feet would get to dancing. He also enjoyed going to Pickin’ in the Park.

David is survived by his wife: Vera Clontz Vance; his daughter, Mary (Rev. Dr. Kim) Milner; his sons: Bart (Pam) Vance and Michael (Cindy) Vance, all of Waynesville; his grandchildren: Josh (Suzie) Milner of Clyde, Jonathan Milner of New York, Alicia (Austin) Pressley, and Alex (Brittney) Vance of Waynesville; three great-grandchildren: Lenny David and Gage Ethan Milner of Clyde, and one on the way; two sisters: Alice Noland of Lakeland, FL and Frances (Billy) Burress of Waynesville; an uncle, Ray (Sara) Warren of Clyde and two aunts: Roseann Stinnett and Peggy Boykin of Aiken, SC, many nieces and nephews, as well as his stepchildren: Charles (Laurie) Burchfield of Seneca, SC; Susie (Larry) Frey of Fayetteville, NC; Janice (John) Shaw of Hamlet, NC; Travis Burchfield of Waynesville, several step-grandchildren,step great-grandchildren, and brothers-in-law: David Clontz (Debbie) of FL; Daniel and Johnny (Kathy) Clontz of Canton.

A special thanks to the VA nurses, hospice nurses, and all of Daddy’s caregivers over the years. Because of you, we were able to keep him at home, which has been a great blessing.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 27, 6-8 pm at Garrett Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be Wednesday, January 28, at 2:00 pm. Burial will be in Bethel Community Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Methodist Church, 804 Sonoma Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786 or Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27615.

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Josh Milner, Jonathan Milner, and Alex Vance; nephew: Richard Noland, and cousins: Jeff Warren and Kelly Warren.

Garrett Funeral Home is caring for the Vance family. www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com