Mr. Wayne Brownlow Vance, 75, of Icard passed away Monday, December 4, 2023 at Carolina Caring on Robinson Road in Hickory, North Carolina.

Wayne was born on May 31, 1948 in Avery County to the late Roy Elmore Vance and the late Lily Bell Cook Vance. Wayne was a very active person who enjoyed life. He always had a smile on his face and loved to joke with friends and make them laugh. He had a passion for fishing and hunting. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing the trout streams and the surf of the beaches. He was an avid gardener and loved to grow his own vegetables.

Wayne was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was fortunate enough to go on several mission trips to help rebuild/repair damage to homes from the hurricanes in Louisiana and Rhode Island. He served as a volunteer fireman for Icard Township Fire Dept for 30+ years. Wayne was a member of Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church in Hickory.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley Brittain Vance, who stood by his side through all the battles he has endured over the years with his health, a daughter, Jessica (Eric) Frye of Longview, a granddaughter, Sabrina Salmon of the home and grandson Samuel Frye. He is also survived by a brother Carroll (Toni) Vance of Hildebran and sister, Clara (David) Wortman of Shady Grove. There are also multiple nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, Wayne is preceded in death by his brother, Finnis Vance and sister-in-law, Carolyn Vance of Sawmills.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church in Hickory with Rev. Paul Deal officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Friday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Carolina Caring (Hospice) at 3975 Robinson Rd Building 3, Suite A, Newton, NC 28658.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.