Richard Vance

RICHARD LOUIS VANCE was born on October 10, 1935 to the late Robert L. Vance Sr. and the late Mary J. Vance in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life suddenly on July 31, 2024 after a well-lived life of 88 years. Richard was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Douglass High School. He studied art in high school and was always a gifted and extraordinary artist. After serving honorably in the United States Navy, he continued his arts studies at Morgan State University. He worked as a graphic artist for Epstein’s Department Store and leveraged that experience to open and successfully operate RL Vance Signs for many years. Well before the computer assisted graphic arts of today, he used his hands to create signs for commercial businesses across Baltimore. Later in life, he took a job with Baltimore City, from which he retired. In his casual time, he enjoyed photography, listening to music, playing piano and trumpet, crossword puzzles, and watching old westerns and sports. Richard was also very intelligent and well-versed in a wide range of subjects. He was a very logical and methodical thinker. Things that made sense and seemed very simple to him would baffle most people’s minds. Richard loved his family, and we were extremely proud of him and his accomplishments. Richard was the big brother who treated his younger siblings like he was the father, even though our father was right there in the home. While we were growing up, he was the voice of counsel. He always encouraged his family members to strive for their best and to reach our goals. He would always support us in every endeavor. He was a very compassionate and caring person. Preceding him in death are Robert L. Vance Sr., Mary J. Vance, May Frances Biles (sister), and Henry L. Vance (brother). Richard leaves to cherish his memory: two sisters, Doris V. Foster and Pastor Carolyn V. Marshall (Dwight); brother, Robert Vance Jr. (Apostle L. Denise); three nieces, Therissa M. Biles, Michele A. Wells (Eric), and Dr. Tia L. Vance; and nine nephews, Robert D. Biles Jr., Theodore C. Biles, Dr. Thomas E. Biles (Crystal), Vance Y. Foster, Minister Kevan D. Marshall (Minister of Music), Ramsey Vance (Hershea), Dr. Rashad Vance, Renard C. Marshall (LaKeitia), and Travis Vance (Heather). He also leaves eleven great-nieces, five great-great nieces, five great-nephews, four great-great-nephews, and a host of family and friends.

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Richard Vance

October 10, 1935 - July 31, 2024