Raymond Harold Vance III, fifty-four of Bourbon MO. Walked pain free thru the Pearly Gates of Heaven on Friday May 10th, 2024. Raymond was born in Sullivan Mo on January 24, 1970, to Ray and Marie (Simmerly) Vance Jr. He grew up and attend school in Bourbon MO, graduating with the class of 1988. While in school he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. During his Junior and Senior year, he attended Rolla Vo-Tech trade school where he learned the trade of Carpentry. After graduation, this trade would lead him to the Carpenters Union in St. Louis where he spent a few years in the apprenticeship. This taught Raymond the skills he used to help several of his friends build their homes, along with building his own. After spending a few years in the Carpenters Union Raymond discovered his passion for operating heavy equipment. He became one of the best Backhoe operators in the area. His skills as an operator lead him to a career in Underground Utilities where he worked for several companies before eventually starting his own company TR4 Underground. He took pride in having his own company and succeeded tremendously with it. Unfortunately, due to health reason he did not get to run it as long as he had desired.

Raymond was a natural born hunter and fisherman. From the moment he was able to hold a fishing pole and gun as a child, he could be found in the woods, on the river or lake. He loved every aspect of these two sports. He fished several bass tournaments in which he placed numerous times. On his many hunts, he took several trophy bucks and gobblers. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and shooting clay birds with his family and friends as often as he could. One of his fondest memories is when he was a teenager and him and his Grandpa Vance had trout lines in the Meramec. To their surprise one morning they pulled out over a 30-pound catfish. Raymond was blessed with six children (Garret, Hank, Seth, Ren, Savanna and Kendrik) who he loved teaching how to hunt and fish.

Raymond also mastered the art of grilling. He genuinely enjoyed preparing several types of meat and other dishes on the grill for his family and friends. When he was able, he would enter grilling contests in which often placed.

Left to carry on Raymonds legacy are his fiancé Melanie Vinke, his parents, Ray and Marie (Simmerly) Vance Jr, his sister Kim McMillen, his children Garret Vance and fiancé Lauren Robbins, Hank Vance, Seth Vance and significant other Brianne Rogers, Ren Vance, Savanna Vance and Kendrik Vance all of Bourbon, Mo. Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins other relatives and many friends.

 He also had five grandchildren that he cherished with all his heart. Jase, Aubrie, Jonah, Tracen, and Willow Vance all of Bourbon, MO.

When Raymond walked thru those Pearly Gates of Heaven, he was welcomed with open arms by his grandparents Ray and Oma Lee Vance Sr, Hank and Frieda Simmerly, his Uncle Leo, his like mother-in-law Debby Vinke, and his nephew Vance McMillen.