Thursday, July 25, 1935 - Friday, June 21, 2024
A Man of the Mountains
As a warm summer breeze passes across the mountains in the Big Sandy Mush Community, we sense a feeling of great sadness, as we have lost a true son of the mountains, a good man and a loyal friend. Vance Lewellyn Garrett, passed away Friday, June 21, 2024, peacefully and quietly at his home- just as Vance would have wanted it.
His life journey began during the summer season of July 25, 1935. Born in Buncombe County, Vance was the only child of the late Gordon Garrett and the late Bessie Black Garrett. He was blessed with years of growing up surrounded by family, friends, and especially a tight-knit clan of cousins living in the neighboring coves of Sandy Mush. Memories of fun, adventures, and wonderful stories were etched in his heart and they were his compass, guiding him throughout his life. Vance never forgot the importance of his family heritage and ancestryand in his own words, he once stated,” I am the “sage” of Sandy Mush.
Following his high school graduation, Vance embarked on a new phase in his life, joining the United States Army and serving his country with great pride and honor. He was stationed in Germany during his military career and during this time he had a chance encounter with Elvis Presley at an airport- a memory Vance shared with a gentle smile. Upon completing his military service Vance attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. He was a gifted and very intelligent man, a skilled welder and a man who could repair or fix anything. If any type of motor, machinery or farm equipment was broken down it was taken to Vance without any hesitation. Even many of the children who grew up under Vance’s watchful eye knew he could repair anything- even their bicycles were fixed by him when mishaps occurred.
Vance was a man deeply rooted in his Christian faith. He was a devoted member of Big Sandy Mush United Methodist Church and all throughout his life he has given unwavering support to his church and the surrounding cemetery grounds. His great generosity and genuine concern touched the lives of many and in 2002, the church honored Vance’s lifetime of dedication by placing a plaque in the churchyard, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for all that he has done throughout the years. Vance was a genuine and selfless man who extended his helping hand to countless people. He never sought recognition or credit for his deeds, instead, he acted purely from the goodness of his heart.
We give thanks for the 88 years of Vance’s life and we remember his love for the mountains and the land he farmed. He was a guardian of history and keeper of the past and a man of quiet compassion who cared about helping others. In our peaceful moments, when remembering Vance we will forever feel his presence in the whisper of the wind on Big Sandy Mush.
Vance is survived by the Garrett and McIntire families and a multitude of friends who will miss him deeply.
A funeral service to honor the life of Vance will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, June 28, 2024, at Big Sandy Mush United Methodist Church. Pastor Larry Melton will be officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Robeson Cemetery in Sandy Mush Community.
Memorials may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 10000, Det. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or The Salvation Army, PO Box 1778, Asheville, NC 28802.
Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for Vance, who was a friend to everyone.
Condolences from family and friends
Vance is truely missed already! He also got the Big Sandy Mush Veterans project started which is now on display on the wall on the main floor of the Sandy Mush Community Center.
Keith Wells
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
We have lost a good neighbor and friend. We have been neighbors since 1970 and will misshim especially when we need some history information. He seemed to always have theanswers we were looking for regarding Sandy Mush. Rest in peace my friend.
Bert and Darlene Abrams
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
I remember spending the night with aunt Bessie and you one night,
Ivagene Black Parham
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Vance,Your memory and stories of history will live on permanently in ink. I cherished our friendship more than you would ever know. Until I see you again...
Amanda Barnes
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
I was saddened by the news of Vance's passing he was such a good soul I remember him when I was little I grew up in the cove and remember him waving at us when I was little walking the road going to church on a Wednesday night and as I got older just the kindness he brought he will be truly missed prayers for the family and friends during this time
Ashley Williams
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
So sad to hear about Vance he was a sweet and fun person. My brother Roger had a new gocart and he had the best time out of that we had so much fun . I loved making you your favorite spaghetti and walking to the shop and giving you a big bowl. You were a humble man and a faithful man and you will be missed I love you cuz.
Elizabeth Garrett Miller
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Sandy Mush & surrounding communities have lost a wonderful friend and servant leader. My Dad, Bill Duckett, and Vance were best friends so I’ve known Vance all my life. I have never known a better person than Vance. He lived to help his neighbors, friends & family. I am grateful to have grown up with my Dad and Vance as examples of how to live a worthwhile life. He will be missed greatly.
Steve Duckett
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Vance was a wonderful friend to our family. Whenever we needed help, we'd call Vance. He definitely was the "Sage" of the Sandy Mush Community and I loved that twinkle in his eyes when he was telling a funny story. He was much loved and will be greatly missed.
Nancy Hayes, Aaron and Patrick Berger
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
I grew up on my Dad/ Uncles farm in Sandy Mush and would often hang around Vance's shop watching him work. As I became older Vance taught me how to weld,braze and use many tools. I went on to become a State Contractor in Commercial Refrigeration. I so admired Vance and will miss him dearly !!
Randy Garrett
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
In the early 1980s, I lived in the Garrett house owned by Tom Covington on Garrett Cove. I got to know Vance then and knew him to be extremely helpful and kind. Much time has passed since then as i moved and was raising my own family, but we got to reconnect recently and I am so glad we did. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to his family and close friends. He will be truly missed.
Janet Spletzer
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Our Dear Vance. We are so sorry to hear of your passing. I and my sisters are just a small part of the Black family on your mothers' side. Aunt Bessie had several brothers and sisters. Our dad and Aunt Bessie were brother and sister and we too along with Ivagene Black Parham enjoyed spending the night at your house as we were growing up. I last saw you when you helped me pick out a burial spot for my husband Leroy and I knew then you were getting tired. Leroy always enjoyed our little chance meetings when he could just sit and talk with you. Now you both have all the time you need to talk so you two enjoy it. When you left us, it was Heavens' gain but a big loss to us so go rest high our dear cousin and friend until we meet again.......
Mabel, Ines and Grace Black
posted Tuesday, June 25, 2024
