Donald Lee Vann, age 78, of Florence, passed away September 1, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren. His service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, September 4, 2014, at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The family will receive friends from noon until service time. Pastor E. M. Shell will be officiating. Mr. Vann was born July 6, 1936 in Whiting, Kansas. His family relocated to the Shoals area when he was a young man. He graduated from Sheffield High School in 1955. After an honorable discharge from the navy, he returned to Sheffield to marry Irelle Dunning, the love of his life for 57 years. He attended Florence State Teachers College (UNA). Mr. Vann founded Vann Oil Company in 1960. He was the first Exxon distributor in Alabama and the youngest distributor ever in the corporation. As President and CEO, Don’s vision and innovation engineered the growth and development of Vann Oil Company into a successful chain of Exxon Food Marts. He was also the founder and president of Exxon Wholesale Market Assoication and the owner and president of I.V. Trucking Company and A.V. Supply Company. Between business ventures, he was a Real Estate Agent for Neese Reality. Don served as president and board member for two terms for Shoals Hospital and the Tennessee Valley Country Club. His compassion was evident in his generosity as he discreetly helped those in need. He was honest to a fault. During his retirement years, his passions were fishing and spending time in North Carolina. Mr. Vann was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Olsen and Clifford Dale Vanschoiack, and his brother James Dale Vanschoiack. Surviving him are his wife Irelle, Daughters Tamera Lambert (Lee), Vicki Moon (Darue), and Kimberly Vann. Grandchildren Brandon Gillis (Sarah), Brad Gillis (Kayla), Britney Lambert, and Trey Lambert. Great-Grandchildren Vann and Lyle Gillis, Kylia Gillis. This wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend will be truly missed by those he touched with his presence, sense of humor and his unconditional love. Those who knew him were truly blessed to have him in their lives. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Restoration Ranch, 722 Little Israel Road, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, or the charity of your choice.
