"Harold was a quiet giant in our church community. He fixed our boiler, blessed our building fund, and never took a single compliment. The Lord has gained a faithful servant."

Paul Redding· Former colleaguelast week

"Thirty years of bridges, and he still looked at every one like it might be his first. Rest easy, Mr. Vance."

Jenna Lilast week

Lit a candle in their memory.

The obituary

Harold James Vance

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

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.

In lieu of flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the Fair Haven Veterans' Garden fund.

Harold James Vance — 1939 — 2026 · Remembered with care by Oak Grove Memorial