Hayden Vance, age 85, of Stameytown, passed away on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at the Cranberry House.
A native of Avery County, he was one of eleven children to the late Jay and Ella Trivette Vance. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Lee Vance; a son, Michael Allen Vance; and siblings: Vida Carpenter, Georgia Prather, Ted Vance, Doug Vance, Sue Vance and three infant siblings.
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 Giles, Kristy Vance, Brittany Calhoun, Alan Calhoun, Ethan Vance, Takoda Vance, Adam Vance, Tasha Sparks and Dalton Vance; three great-grandchildren: Carmen Vance, Jaxson Sparks and Hayden Giles; brother, Joe Vance (Linda) of Morganton; sister, Brenda Clements (Don) of Rutherford College; sister-in-law, Pat Vance of Stameybranch and brother-in-law, Eddie Piercy of Morganton. Several nieces, nephews and other extended family also survive.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 14th at Stameytown Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family would like to say a special thank you to both Pat and Debbie Vance for the wonderful care and love given to both Hayden and Rosalie.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
