Cyrus "Cy" Reese Vance

Cy Reese Vance, of Brandon, was born April 25, 1936 in Itta Bena, MS. He died Jan. 28, 2022 at the age of 85 after suffering heart failure. He graduated from Millsaps College with a Masters Degree in Education. He was a Veteran of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. He began his career coaching and teaching English at Bailey Junior High School in Jackson MS. He was then offered an Assistant Principal position at Callaway Highschool. From there he became the first Headmaster of Brandon Academy. He developed the Junior and High school curriculums that grew the school’s student attendance for years to come.

A new job offer came his way that allowed him to become Director of The MS Department of Parks and Recreation. After serving in this position for several years, he had the opportunity to start his own business. He was a pioneer in the Satellite Dish Telecommunications field and came to be known in the community for his expertise and knowledge. This experience led him to become the Director of Technology for MS Public Broadcasting. He worked there 17 years and retired in 2013. He was commended by Governor Phil Bryant for his work with MPB and EdNet which provided broadband internet services for hundreds of schools in underserved areas.

He was a star quarterback for Itta Bena High School, and he was well-known for his ability to sing like Frank Sinatra and won several talent competitions. He loved listening to Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, and Glen Campbell’s music. He enjoyed watching all types of sports on TV and was always looking for the latest television technology. His children would kid him about his goal to always have the biggest TV in the family. He was an avid reader and enjoyed reading novels by John Grisham, James Patterson, and Buddy Norton, an Itta Bena native. He loved family events and attending all his grandchildren’s special occasions. He enjoyed spending time with his loving wife, Kathy, of 40 years and their dog, Bella.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Vance; three daughters - Susan Flannigan (Steve), Margaret Clark (Rudy), and Donna Ezell (Gerald); son, Bill Devine; sister- Becky Swords; 8 Grandchildren; 5 Great Grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday, January 31, 2022 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl.

The family will hold a private service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baldwinleepearl.com for the Vance family.