Willie Rance Jr.

Willie Rance, Jr., a proud Vietnam Air Force veteran, devoted husband, loving father, and cherished family member, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, at 5:26 AM at Vitas Hospice Center in Kendall, Florida. He is survived by his beloved wife Arlene Berdell Loyd Rance to whom he was married for 55 wonderful years.
Wille enlisted in the Air Force in 1968 and faithfully served his country in Vietnam, England, The Netherlands, Japan, and various states across the United States until his retirement in 1988. Throughout his distinguished career, he was awarded numerous medals and certificates in recognition of his dedication and service, including achieving the rank of Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. Willie was deeply devoted to the Air Force and proudly expressed his willingness to lay down his life for his country. He also worked diligently to recruit others into the Air Force, inspiring many with his commitment. Willie proudly continued to work as an entrepreneur every day for his lawn maintenance company until he was unable to work due to a disability incurred during his military service.
Willie was a man of many passions. He loved fishing, gardening, film ministry, and was a master of barbecue-often feeding family, friends, church members, neighbors, and anyone else who needed a meal. He generously gave his time mentoring others who shared his passions for gardening, barbecue, mechanics, film, fishing, and his deep love for the Lord. His infectious personality and memorable quotes, like "I don't mean no harm," "I don't want no Mickey Mouse," and "the happy packs from McDonald's," left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He gave freely to anyone in need including opening his home to new friends and acquaintances on numerous occasions. He would give his last if it would benefit someone. He was a steadfast provider for his family and was known for his generosity-always willing to share money, food, supplies, and random things that others wouldn't think of. For example, he would give brand-new equipment to people in need, even though he had purchased it out of his means.
Willie leaves behind a loving legacy through his children: Willie Rance, III, and his children and grandchildren: Willie Rance, IV, Aaja La'ni Cooper, Akila Polk, McKenzie Rance, Bellamy Rance, Simba Rance, and Willie Rance, V.; Dedrian (Oral) Beason and their children: Symone, Ciera, Alana, and Alexander Beason; Margaret Mary Rowan Brown, and her children: Thomas Francis Brown and Ruby Faye Brown; Typhani Rance and her son Andre Nathaniel Rance, who all will continue to honor his memory.
He was the beloved son of the late Willie Rance Sr. and Fannie Mae Howell Rance and is survived by his siblings Thelma Lee Rance Cook, Barbara (Jessie) Jean Rance Smith, Annie Mae Rance Shaw, MacArthur (Sheila) Rance, and his special cousin Robert Monk. Willie fondly remembered his late sisters Glenda Faye Rance Gipson and Mary Lee Rance Hunt.
Willie's family also extends to great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will forever cherish his kindness and strength.
Willie's service to his country and his deep commitment to family defined his life. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation to honor Willie's life will be held at Palms Woodlawn Cemetery, Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at 11:00am to 4:00pm. Air Force Honor Guards a 12:30pm and followed by his return home for burial at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff Arkansas