Samuel Miller Vance III, 92, of Kalkaska, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2022 with his loving wife by his side.

Sam was born on August 4, 1930, in Tonawanda, NY to the late Samuel Miller Vance Jr. and Laetitia (VanDeventer) Vance. The family moved to IL when Sam was a young boy. He graduated from Maine Township High School, Park Ridge, IL. He married Virginia Catherine Kaufmann on May 7, 1955, in Chicago, IL. Together they lovingly raised three cherished children; Matt, Lynette, and Chris.

Sam studied to be a shop teacher at Bradley University , Peoria, IL, and graduated in 1954. While he was in school he started working for Magnaflux, Corp. The company thought so highly of him they offered him a job right out of college. Sam proudly sold the first tank car full of Zyglow. After 9 yrs. at Magnaflux, in Chicago, IL & Dallas, TX, he went to work for Bendix, in Dallas, TX, Washington DC and Sidney, NY, for 10 yrs. ending as Manager of the filter connector group . They called him Alexander Graham Vance because he really enjoyed talking to his customers on the phone! Next Sam worked as a sales manager for Custom Electronics, Oneonta, NY, for 19 yrs., a capacitor mfg. company. Sam retired June, 1992.

Sam was a vestry member at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Unadilla, NY , & St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Elk Rapids, MI. Sam loved attending church, singing in the choir, & the traditions of the Episcopal Church. He & Ginny also enjoyed singing with the Elk Lake Community Choir. Traveling by car or air to visit our out of state families & friends was always very special. Sam appreciated & loved the family Wabigama home on Elk Lake, MI. We were privileged to live there for 19 yrs. He also enjoyed living at Kalkaska Memorial Assisted Living, Kalkaska, MI. for 2 1/4 yrs. We also want to thank Munson Hospital, Eden Center & Hospice of MI for their competent & compassionate care.

Sam was a diehard Chicago Cub fan. He also enjoyed 2 hobbies very much….model railroading & antique outboard motors. He was an active member of the AOMC (Antique Outboard Motor Club) & the NMRRC ( Northern Michigan Railroad Club). Sam & Ginny have many dear friends through these organizations. Sam also had an interest in radio control airplanes, but when we lost 3 airplanes in one day he quickly lost interest! Within the last year his son Matt took him on a ride in his seaplane and Sam was in awe the entire time!

Sam was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was nonconfrontational, never complained about any physical (and there were many) ailments, and a brilliant self-taught mechanical engineer. He could repair or fix anything. His patience, perseverance, and respect that he showed throughout his life will never be forgotten.

Surviving Sam is his wife Virginia of 67 devoted years, his children, Samuel Matthew (Amy) Vance of Stillwater, OK, Lynette Marie (James) Billings of Gilroy, CA, Christopher Edward (Janet) Vance of Worcester, NY; grandchildren, Sarah Grimm, Vance Billings, Calvin Billings, June Billings, Andrew Vance & Christina Vance ; great grandchildren, Jake Grimm, Claire Grimm, Olivia Grimm, Kora Vance & Eli Vance, his siblings Mary Martha Danforth, Citrus Heights, CA, Laetitia Gervais, Liberty Hill, TX, along with many nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, a great-great niece and nephew and many wonderful friends.

You will live in our hearts forever, Sam. We love you very much & until we meet again……Mizpah!

A memorial service followed by a luncheon will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Elk Rapids at 11am with a visitation held one hour prior. A second memorial service will be held at 1pm in Unadilla, New York, on October 26, 2022 with dessert reception follow. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church or Hospice of MI. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

Sam's family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com