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HJ
2026-0118At-needVeteran · US Army

Harold James Vance

Jun 11, 1939Apr 17, 2026 · Fair Haven Regional Hospital, Fair Haven, NC

Case progress

Stage 5 of 7
First call
Removal
Preparation
Arrangement
5
Services
6
Disposition
7
Aftercare

Services

Visitation — Harold J. Vance
Apr 24, 2026 · 5:00 PM·Main Chapel
visitation
Funeral Service — Harold J. Vance
Apr 25, 2026 · 11:00 AM·Main Chapel
funeral
Graveside & Military Honors — Harold J. Vance
Apr 25, 2026 · 2:00 PM·Oak Grove Gardens, Veterans Section
graveside

US Army Honor Guard confirmed. 3-volley salute authorized.

Obituary

1939 — 2026 · A quiet steward of bridges, rivers, and the people he loved.

published

Harold James Vance passed peacefully on April 18, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in the Blue Ridge foothills to a schoolteacher and a small-town mechanic, Harold grew into a man who believed nothing was beneath him and everything could be repaired with enough patience. He served four honorable years in the US Army before returning home to study civil engineering at NC State, where he later met his wife of fifty-one years, Margaret. Over a career spanning four decades, Harold designed bridges across three states. Friends will remember him for his unhurried voice, his insistence on measuring twice, and the way he ended every phone call with 'drive carefully now.' He is survived by his daughter Joanne; his son Ethan and wife Naomi; four grandchildren; and a constellation of nieces, nephews, and former students.

1,284 views3 tributesEdit obituary →

Selected merchandise

Emerson — 18 Gauge Steel, Mahogany Finish
CSK-EMSN-18G-M
$2,895.00
Monticello — Reinforced Concrete Vault
VLT-MONT-STD
$1,495.00

Family Portal

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Primary accessJoanne Vance
Last visit2 hours ago
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  • 3 new tributes since you last looked
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Tree of Life

Family-managed
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The Vance Family
"From quiet hands, generations."
Members
16
Living
11
Generations
5

The Vance family curates this tree. Harold's node surfaces his obituary, livestream, and tributes inline so the whole family can revisit them from the tree forever.

AI tribute video

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In loving memory of Harold James Vance
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Photos
34
Vendor cost displaced
$285.00
Music · patriotic
Going Home (instrumental, arr. for orchestra)
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"In loving memory of Harold James Vance · 1939–2026 · US Army · A bridge builder, in every sense."

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Express Funeral Fundingsubmitted
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Portal

Memorial FundActive

$2,825
raised of $149 goal
100% of goal 9 donors

Financial summary

Estimated total$14,850.00
Paid$7,425.00
Balance due$7,425.00
View invoice INV-2026-0118

Team

MW
Marcus Whitford
Director
PA
Priya Ackerman
Arranger

Primary family contact

Joanne Vance
Daughter of Harold Vance. Designated informant.

Assigned plot

Oak Grove Gardens
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