‘Doc’ Vancel

JEFFERSON – Dr. Tilman “Doc” Vancel, 80, died Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.

Born on June 10, 1929, in Tazewell, Claiborne County, Tenn., he was the son of the late Curtis and Ethel Vancel. His education was in the public schools of Tennessee and Lincoln Memorial University. After attending graduate school at Perdue University and the University of Tennessee, he completed his education at the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry. His dental practice in Jefferson was the delight of his and his wife Martha’s life for over 40 years.

The skies were his home and relaxation, as he flew, using a skill he first learned in high school. He was a mason, a member of Victory Baptist Church, and associated dental organizations.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Martha Vancel, Jefferson; sons, Lewis Ray Vancel, Mulberry, Ind., and Harold D. Vancel, Jefferson; stepsons, Charles and Ronnie Stanley, Milledgeville; a sister, Statia V. Treece, Mulberry, Ind.; brother, Thomas Vancel, Thomasville; grandchildren, Curtis Vancel, Mulberry, Ind., Samantha and Dakota Poppe, Mulberry, Ind., and John Stanley, Milledgeville.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 28, at 11 a.m., at Galilee Christian Church with Minister Tom Plank officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Curtis Vancel, Grant Siebert, Hoyt Harris, Bob Morgan, James Deaton, Damon Wilbanks, Dan Torbett and Bill Wentworth. Members of the Masonic Lodge will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local Alzheimers organization.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.