Vance Null, Sr.

Vance Null, Sr., 87, of Viola, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023, after a car accident in Salem. Vance was born Sept. 5, 1935, in Walnut, Miss., to Samuel and Mae (Spencer) Null. Vance was the youngest of 11 children. He married the love of his life, Angelee (Wilson) Null, in 1958. They were married for 40 years and raised four children together. Vance lost her in 1998 to cancer. Vance was a tool and die maker for Singer Furniture Company for over 20 years. He had an abundance of friends at every stage of his life. Building relationships and loving people was his greatest gift. He was “Papaw Vance” to more than his own grandchildren. Children seemed drawn to his kindness, laughter and storytelling. He loved to fish, hunt and raise animals of all sorts. He made a hushpuppy that would make you forget about the fried fish and a delicious pan of Mexican cornbread. His hands were strong, his laugh was loud, and his love was one we will never forget. Vance had a long, full, happy life and left us with so many cherished memories. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and was of the Baptist faith.

Vance leaves to mourn his passing two sons, Vance Null, Jr. of Williford and Bro. Jimmy Swinford (Patti) of Williford; two daughters, Sherrie Bufford (Dr. Phillip Bufford) of Gassville and Phyllis Pratt of Payneway; four grandchildren, Dr. Lonna Bufford, Leah Bufford, Jacob Bufford, and Trisha Gipson; two great-grandchildren, Kaylan Wallace and Lydia Gipson; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, four brothers and six sisters.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday, April 3, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Visitation was from 12-2 p.m. Monday at Barker Funeral Home in Salem. Interment was 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro. Pallbearers were Nick Gipson, Jacob Bufford, Josh Gipson, Danny Perryman, Darin Young, Mark Pratt, and T Ray Lejeune.

Memorials may be made to the Salem First Baptist Church Building Fund or AWANA in Salem. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home, LLC in Salem. Guests may sign an online registry at www.barkerfuneral.com.