Gilbert 'Gil' Hardy Lance
December 21, 1925 ~ April 3, 2012
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Gilbert 'Gil' Hardy Lance, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather died Tuesday, April 3rd. He was the son of William Hardy Lance and Etta Parker Lance, of Asheville, North Carolina.
A Navy Combat Aircrewman in WWII, he served in the Pacific Theater where he flew amphibious patrol bombers; receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.
Gil was a graduate of Carson Newman College (B.S.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (M.Ed.), and Western Carolina University (Ed.S.).
Retiring as associate superintendent of Asheville City Schools, Gil spent 36 years inspiring and mentoring countless students and athletes. He began his teaching and coaching career in 1950 at Barnardsville High School and went on to teach at North Buncombe and Erwin High Schools. Later he served as assistant principal and principal of David Millard Jr. High, and as principal of Rankin and Claxton Elementary Schools.
The major focus of his life and greatest source of interest and enjoyment was his family and their activities. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Venice Garland Lance; his sons- Derek (Nancy) and Shane (Kim); grandchildren- Jonathon (Leslie), Carianne (David), Caitlyn, and Will; and great-grandchildren- Ian and Asher.
The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Hanich, Dr. Hester, Dr. McGraw, Dr. Rice, and Care Partners Hospice for their immeasurable service.
Throughout retirement and for as long as he was physically able, Gil was actively devoted to the mission and service of the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. He requested that any memorials be donated to this organization at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity 30 Meadow Road Asheville, NC 28803.
A memorial service will be held at Asheville First Baptist Church Chapel on Saturday, April 7th at 2:00 p.m. A reception will be held after the service the Fellowship Hall.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
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Mrs. Lance: Mr. Lance was a quiet, kind person who loved for schools and classes to be operated on a very high standard. His leadership, as one of my principals during my teaching career, was always done by example. His treatment of both students, teachers and other school staff was a model that could be used to instruct administrators in knowing how to work effectively with everyone. May God give you peace as you face this difficult time in your life.
It was my good fortune to know this kind and gentle man and his family for many years. A dedicated educator and WW II veteran, he was always entertaining and optimistic about his life and the benefits of being a productive and supportive citizen of his community, his State and his Nation. Father of an energetic and outgoing family, he and his devoted spouse devoted much time and energy ensuring they received good educations and developed a love for their Nation , and foremost, love and support for their siblings. His counsel and warm smile is to be sorely missed by many, many people, including the large number of members of the Garland Family Research Association (GFRA).
Venice and family: I am sorry for your loss. I rememer G. H. as a youth, a neighbor, a relative, a military member, and a college student. There was a long poeriod of lost contact (career moves) and a joyous, meaningful reconnection a few years ago with a visit at your home and a special trip around our N. C. home area with G. H. and Morris. I treasure these memories. He touched lives with sincerity, purpose, positive results and will be remembered and missed. May God Bless and comfort the family.
I was so sorry to read of Gil’s death. I have very fond memories of our brief acquaintance. I have been a ‘Tuesday regular’ with Habitat for about 5 years. I first met Gil when we were working on Enka Hills. I quickly learned that he had grown up with some of my uncles (Thompsons)out in the Venable School area so we knew a lot of the same people and places. I enjoyed sharing that with him in that sometimes there doesn’t seem to be a lot of ‘locals’ left. But what I will remember most about him is that he was such a gentleman. He was so very kind and patient as well as helpful. I truly regret that he will not be with us again. I will keep you in my heart. May you find peace in knowing that Gil was truly a treasure.
Sincerely,
Sharon Waugh
Dear Family of Mr. Lance,
It is with sadness I write this note. I attended Erwin HS from 1955-1957 as a member of the second graduating class. I fondly remember Mr. Lance as our coach. He also attended some of our class reunions and we enjoyed visiting with him. Cherish the memories you have of him. May God give you His Peace and Comfort.
Jeanette Wright Parham jparham713@aol.com 703-323-5990
I echo the words of Gerald Austin. Coach Lance had a profound effect on his students and those he coached. I feel lucky to have been one of those people and know that the lessons I learned from him has made me a better person as I have lived my own life. He might be gone in body, but he will live on in spirit to all of those he touched. Our sympathies go out to those family members he left behind. Good bye Coach and thanks for everything.
Allen C. Smith #20 class of 59.
Lance (as we called him on campus) was a dear sweet friend and a classmate at Mars Hill College in 1946-47. It was a happy time: the war was over; the boys were home and we were getting on with our lives. I will always remember him with affection and share the family’s grief at his passing.
I would to say thanks to
Coach Lance for all the lessons and memories I have,and all he meant to me and my family, He taught us so much. Thanks again COACH Lance.
Venice I am so sorry to hear of Gil’s passing. He was such a great friend to my Dad and I also enjoyed hearing about their trips and work at Habitat. He and Daddy both made so much difference in so many people’s lives, I’m sure he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill and Penny Sullivan Edwards.
Coach Lance taught all his players and students values that have lasted for many years. He had a big influence on me in my life endeavors. He lived the good life and there will be a definite empty spot in all our hearts.
Venice, Shane and Derek, we were very saddened to hear of Gil’s death. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Gil was a gentleman and a great school leader. His influence will continue for many years on those who came under his supervision. His legacy with the Asheville City Schools is very commendable. Asheville has lost a good friend!