Hayden Vance

Hayden Vance

Hayden Vance, age 85, of Stamey Branch Road, passed away on Saturday, November 8 th , 2025 at the Cranberry House. A native of Avery County, he was one of twelve children to the late Jay and Ella Trivett Vance. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Lee Vance; a son, Michael Allen Vance; and siblings: Vida Carpenter, Selma Vance, Georgie Prather, Ted Vance, Doug Vance, Sue Vance, and three infant siblings: Alice, Thelma and Daniel Vance; as well as a nephew, David "Babs" Piercy.

From a young age, Hayden had a deep love for horses, a passion that carried through his entire life. He also had a special bond with his beagle dogs and found great joy in rabbit hunting with them. His chickens were another of his simple pleasures, and he took pride in caring for them, along with any other animal.

Hayden was truly a jack of all trades. His skill as a carpenter was well-known and admired by many. He spent much of his working life in the Land Harbor community, where his craftsmanship, hard work, and friendly nature earned him countless friends and the respect of everyone who knew him. Hayden will always be remembered by his kind heart, his talent for fixing or building just about anything, and the easygoing way he connected with people.

Surviving is his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Rosalie Febuary Vance; son, Jeff Vance (Donna) of Spear; nine grandchildren: Jennifer Gills, Kristy Vance, Brittany Calhoun, Allan Calhoun, Ethan Vance, Takoda Vance, Adam Vance, Tasha Sparks and Dalton Vance; five great-grandchildren: Carmen Vance, Jaxson Sparks, Maddox and Jaelynn Patton, and Hayden Gills; brother, Joe Vance (Linda) of Morganton; sister, Brenda Clements (Don) of Rutherford College; sister-in-law, Pat Vance of Stamey Branch; brother-in-law, Eddie Piercy of Morganton; and special cousins, Butch and John Vance. Several nieces, nephews, and other extended family also survive.

A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 14th at Stamey Town Baptist Church Cemetery. Pastor Tex Woody officiated. Pallbearers were Ethan Vance, Keith Philyaw, Jim Benfield, John Benfield, Dennis Danner and Zach Vance.

The family would like to say a special thank you to both Pat and Debbie Vance for the love always shown to both Hayden and Rosalie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to one's favorite charity. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.