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Billy Richard Vann passed away peacefully at his home in The Dalles, Ore., surrounded by loving family and friends, after a long battle with dementia at the age of 87.
Billy was born October 14, 1929, in Eucha, Okla., to Elsie and John Vann. He lived in Hood River, Ore., during his marriage to Sally Price and had two children. He owned and operated his own logging truck business.
In 1969, he started Jack’s Body Shop in the Dalles. Billy met and married Otilia Geiser and they enjoyed winters in Yuma Ariz., fishing, golfing and dancing.
Billy retired in 1989 after suffering a severe stroke, he turned the body shop over to his son, Vince.
He is survived by his son, Vince Vann and wife Barbara; sister, Sue Lavoie; step-daughter, Gloria Geiser; grandchildren, Lisa Rowland (Scott), Erik, Asja, Ricky Rodriguez and Liz Nelson (Tony); great-grandchildren, Colton (Charlee), Meghan, Madison, Acasia, Carter, Brooklyn, Tameron, Cadence, Tristan and Ethan; great-great granddaughter, Blaklee; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Otilia Vann; his lovely daughter Vickie Birge; parents, John and Elsie Vann; brothers, Wesley, Grover and Leon Vann; sister, Joan Guenther; grandson, Justin Horrell and nephew, Timothy Lavoie.
A celebration of life will be held at The Discovery Center 5000 Discovery Drive The Dalles, Oregon 1 p.m. August 19, 2017.
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