John Anthony Vance

We were colleagues in eighteenth-century literature, but I met John Vance only once personally, about 10 years ago. I was immediately struck by how warm, generous and open hearted he was, and I wish I could have known him better. My condolences to John´s family and friends.

So long, old chum. Godspeed.
With love,
Hugh and Allie Reid

Dear Susan and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss!! I will keep you and the children close in my heart during this difficult time. Love to you all.

Marta Slaughter

John was the first person to cast me in a show at Town & Gown: 1940s Radio Hour. The production was filled with the cast of characters I would love for all of my years in Athens. I am grateful to him for opening the door and for all the subsequent shows we did together. He had great passion and talent. I loved him and will miss him very much.

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I knew him through the Town & Gown Theater where we did a couple of plays together. I have nothing but fond memories of John and there were many. One in particular is one I will always remember. I was lucky enough to be in 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' with him a number of years ago. I played Pseudolus and John played Miles Gloriosus, the gruff Roman captain visiting town. At one point in the play, John grabbed my tunic and pulled me to him to ask me a question. It was great fun for the audience, but each night he left me with a little less chest hair. He would apologize every few nights and I could see the 'Sorry' look as he was doing it. I have to say that I will remember that point in the show and the look on John's face for as long as I live. What fun!
-Sam Word

Having known Johnny since he was a little boy in the WPB area through his cousin, Judy, and the entire Italian families and Suzie since these earlier times, he will be greatly missed. He was a fun, funny, and loving person and family man that we loved deeply, and our prayers are with Suzie the children and grandchildren for their loss. Heaven has gained a saint.

Bruce & Judy Goddard

Dear Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful, talented individual, and he will be missed by many. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Diana Pearson

What didn´t I learn from John? (He was always Dr. Vance to me, even after we parted ways academically). Mostly I learned humility and that in a world where you can whatever you want, be kind. Do big things. Laugh at the silly things. Carry a cudgel like Sammie Johnson, just in case you run afoul of some administrators. But most of all Dr. V gave me confidence and encouragement on days when I needed it and even came to my wedding looking spiffy. John, Dr. V, I´m truly going to miss you and thank you for all you did to help me along the way. We lost a friend and Heaven gained a renaissance man.

So sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs Christine Register

We remember lovely times with John and Susie and Hope and Jimmy when they were little. We had lovely dinners together and fun times. We cried when we left Athens, largely because we would miss you both so much. So many lovely memories and visits later for Thanksgivings. For Bob, John and I used to go the movies in town on Friday afternoons, usually really, really bad ones, and just laughed our heads off over them. John will always be in our hearts. All our love and condolences to Susie and Hope and Jimmy and their families. Love you.

John was a wonderful brother-in-law to us. He was so knowledgeable and accomplished so much! We loved his sense of humor and his laughter. Just spending time with him was a joy - he always made us feel so special. He will be missed and will always be loved.

John and Susie are such gracious truly happy people. They both always made you feel like family. John always had a warm smile and made you feel welcome. He will be missed greatly. My condolences to Susie and the rest of the family. God bless and keep all of you.

I have known John and Susan for over a decade, as their personal computer technician and as a friend. I always admired John as a man, even without knowing all the fantastic life accomplishments listed here. You see, if you knew John, you would not know all these things about him, I for one didnt know about his career in acting until reading this, because he was such a humble man, which in my mind made him even greater! What an amazing husband, father, and friend, and what an amazing tribute to him Susan, he will be greatly missed. God bless you John, Susan and the whole family, you will all be in our prayers

John and I shared the stage on a number of occasions. That experience creates a special bond. He was a great man.

Susan,
I am so sorry for you loss. My prayers are with you and your entire family as you grieve this great loss.

A vivid memory I have of John (always "Dr. Vance" in my head) is when he had me read for a part in his Dracula play, which we later presented at the Morton theater. I was deeply struck by his warmth, encouragement, and kindness, and I´ve never forgotten it. Later, when we lost a mutual friend, he offered me and everyone concerned immense strength and heartfelt compassion, even though he was hurting as much as anyone. I was blessed to know him, and I´ll never forget him.

John was the disembodied voice asking questions of my character "Agnes" in "The Shadow Box" at Town & Gown. He says I never fed him the same cue, in the same order, twice!
He always made it work.

My condolences to the Vance family. John was a beloved teacher and mentor. I was fortunate to take a class with him not long after I left the Army after fighting in Iraq. Knowing my professor was also a Veteran was a soothing balm to my troubled heart. I am blessed to have known him, and though the world is slightly darker for his passing, it is significantly brighter because of his time among us.

He was a close friend the years I lived in Athens, in the late 80s. We were brothers in "The Importance,"the first Town & Gown show for either of us, and that's how he treated me when we were at our closest -- as a kid brother.

Rod Landis

Thoughts and prayers to family. Susan and I worked together at Barnett Shoals School, I am grateful my journey in life brought us together.
Know he is at peace and will always be watching over you.
Dottie Bero

I was fortunate enough to have several courses and an independent study with Dr. Vance in my English major days. He was a huge influence on me in going to graduate school and later becoming involved with community theatre. My sincere condolences to Susie, Hope, Jimmy and your families.