Mr. Roy James Vance

Roy J. Vance Construction built distinctive style homes, many of which can be seen all over the Victor Valley, especially in Apple Valley where he did most of his work, his family told the Daily Press. On March 2, Roy James Vance, 91, died at home after suffering heart issues, said his daughter, Valery Neely.

His family described Roy as a loving, family and community-minded man who worked hard to get things done.

“I often heard him say, ‘If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right,’” Neely said. “Dad always put his mind to learning his job and doing it with all his might. "Roy began building houses in the High Desert while he lived in Hacienda Heights until June 1979 when he moved to Hesperia.

During that time, Roy continued to work at Sears, Roebuck and Company in Los Angeles, where he earned a Buyer of the Year Award. He worked for the big box retail for 26 years until he retired in 1981.

Roy had many accomplishments, including serving as president of the High Desert Construction Industries Association in the mid-1980s.Honing his craft

Roy continued to hone his craft, building increasingly more homes each year and eventually earning his contractor’s license.

“After that, it became a family business as his wife, Mary, became vice president and finance director,” Neely said. “Each of his sons performed tasks from property clean-up to checking on subs, to pulling permits. "Over the years, Roy became known for building “quality affordable homes” for people just starting their homeownership journey, his family said.

‘Good bones’

During that time, Vance Homes constructed models from the 1,200- to 1,800-square-foot range, listed from $69,000 to $99,000.

In 1988, the Daily Press spotlighted a 1,518 square-foot Vance home that included three bedrooms, two baths, a family room, a living room and a double-car garage on a half-acre with a price tag of $86,900. “Our kids bought their first home from Roy Vance in 1987,” said Apple Valley resident Gene Smith. “My wife (Karen) and I bought their home a few years back.”

Gene told the Daily Press the nearly 40-year-old home “still has good bones,” and has undergone a few remodeling projects.

In 1995, Roy retired and passed the company reins over to his son, Douglas, who continues to build homes in the area. Army and married life

Roy Vance was born in Los Angeles on April 20, 1933, to James and Josephine Vance.

He later served in the Army from 1953-1955, serving in the 11th Airborne out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and becoming a Squad Leader. He earned his Parachutist Badge and a Good Conduct Medal. He also spent time in the NCO Academy. He married Mary Martha Tatum on July 5, 1958, and the couple stayed married until her death on April 21, 2018, his family shared.

The couple had children Valery (Vance) Neely, Douglas Roy Vance, Robert James Vance (died in 1992), and Brent William Vance.

In Roy’s younger days, he enjoyed sports of all kinds, but especially baseball, football and gymnastics.

In 1969, he shattered his tibia while sliding into third- base in an adult baseball league game.

In true Roy Vance style, he insisted he was safe, as they took him off the field, his family said.

Dancing and travel

In his later years, Roy was an active member of the Thunderbirds Square Dance Club for over a decade.

“He always enjoyed dancing, and especially square dancing, and round dancing with his wife, Mary,” his family explained. “After her death, Roy found a dancing partner and companion in Barbara McClean, also a member of the Thunderbirds club. "He married Mary Martha Tatum on July 5, 1958, and the couple stayed married until her death on April 21, 2018, his family shared.

The couple had children Valery (Vance) Neely, Douglas Roy Vance, Robert James Vance (died in 1992), and Brent William Vance.

In Roy’s younger days, he enjoyed sports of all kinds, but especially baseball, football and gymnastics.

In 1969, he shattered his tibia while sliding into third- base in an adult baseball league game.

In true Roy Vance style, he insisted he was safe, as they took him off the field, his family said.

Dancing and travel

In his later years, Roy was an active member of the Thunderbirds Square Dance Club for over a decade.

“He always enjoyed dancing, and especially square dancing, and round dancing with his wife, Mary,” his family explained. “After her death, Roy found a dancing partner and companion in Barbara McClean, also a member of the Thunderbirds club.”

A viewing is scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m., with a service at 10 a.m. and led by Pastor Aaron Seeger from Church of the Valley.

A reception will follow, with more information given at the service.