Kenneth Rayburn Vance Sr.

Kenneth Rayburn Vance, Sr.

1938-2021
Kenneth Rayburn Vance Sr., 83, - loving husband and father, a teacher to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at his residence.
Kenneth’s life’s calling is that of a pastor, husband to his beloved Margaret, and father to their 11 children. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force. Later, he worked as a chief electrician in the coal mines, but his primary focus was as a pastor at his church for more than 30 years.
When Kenneth wasn’t at church or at work, he spent many days visiting the sick in hospitals and nursing homes. He loved his family more than life itself. He loved spending time with his wife and kids, but also looked forward to the annual family reunion where all family members gathered for a 4-day weekend. He, also, looked forward to the annual fishing trip to Indiana where he spent a week with his sons, brothers, nephews, and grandsons. He loved family get togethers more than anything.
If you knew Kenneth, you remember that permanent smile. You may have heard him say,
“Do you want to feel my muscle?” He loved telling jokes and making others laugh. He had a heart of gold and was willing to help anyone and everyone in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Poppy and Eliza Vance, his sibblings Ruth, Helen, Gladys, Alfred, Elbert, John, Margie, Dorothy, Clifford, and Judy, his sons Joseph Paul and Michael Lee Vance. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, 7 sons, and 2 daughters, as well as 16 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 1 brother Lloyd, 1 sister Gean, and a host of other family members.
Services will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021, with visitation from 11:00-1:00 and funeral services beginning at 1:00. Funeral services are entrusted by the Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Brothers Allen Ferguson, Brandon Ferguson, and Matthew Marshall officiating. Pallbearers will be Austin Ferguson, Brandon Ferguson, Matthew Marshall, James Vance, and Jesse Vance. Akers-James Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.