Merton Brice Vance Sr., 89, of Washington, and formerly of Charlotte, died Feb. 25, 2018, at Vidant Medical Center, Greenville. He is with his beloved wife of 58 years, Addie Flowers Vance, who preceded him in death in 2013.

He was born Jan. 12, 1929, in Mecklenburg County, the youngest son of William Brice and Julia Elliott Vance. A graduate of Long Creek High School, he played baseball and basketball, gaining a lifelong love for both sports.

Merton served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53 as a sergeant in the 70th Combat Engineering Battalion in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. After returning home, he married his sweetheart, Addie Flowers, on Aug. 22, 1954.

He worked for many years for BellSouth and its predecessors, installing phones in homes and later working as a systems technician in high-rise office buildings in Uptown Charlotte.

After he retired, he and Addie spent years exploring the United States and Canada in their travel trailer, frequently joined by many friends they met in their camping adventures.

Even-tempered and patient, Merton was a joy to be around. He could fix almost anything and could often be found puttering in his well-stocked workshop. He was also resourceful. After Hurricane Hugo felled a stately cedar tree in front of his Charlotte home, Merton made use of the good wood, making jewelry boxes, walking sticks and other beautifully crafted items, some of which became cherished gifts.

He adored Addie and his children, and he was known to dote on his three grandchildren, who knew him as Paw-Paw.

His two brothers, Carroll Parks Vance and William Carlton Vance, also preceded him in death.

He is survived by a son, Merton Brice Vance Jr. and wife Tricia, of Wilmington; a daughter, Belinda Vance Cowell and husband David, of Washington; and three grandchildren, Sara

Cowell Coburn and husband Jonathan, of Raleigh; Ryan Vance Cowell, of Washington, and Rebecca Harte Vance, of Wilmington.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Huntersville, with the Rev. Hillary Cheek presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church an hour prior to the service and at other times at the home of his daughter, Belinda Cowell, 309 Isabella Avenue, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 10500 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville, NC 28078-9245, or First Presbyterian Church, 211 W. Second St., Washington, NC  27889, or the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Vance family.