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NEWSOMS – U.S. Army Ret. Master Sergeant (E-8), Robert Sumner Vann, born April 1, 1929, in Conway, North Carolina, died on Dec. 4, 2023. After graduating Conway High School, he joined the military, serving with the 82 Airborne and 7 Special Forces for 22 years. He served in Korea and did two tours of duty in Vietnam before retiring in 1970. He retired from Union Camp Corporation in 1991.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew a

nd Lillie Vann; brothers, Andrew, Royce, Vernie Lee and James Vann; sisters, Mary Davis, Reva Walton, Julia Fowler and Edna Butler; his youngest son, Andy Vann and his wife of 69 years, Jacqueline Ellis Vann. He is survived by his sisters, Montie Garris and Clonie Francis; his children, Sharon Devillier (Ray), Bobby Vann (Kathy), Randy Vann (Sherry), Vicki Gray; a daughter-in-law, Ercelle Vann; 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and lots of nieces and nephews.

Robert was a member of Newsoms Baptist Church and Newsoms Hunt Club. He was known by “Sarge” at Union Camp and “Pop” by his family. He loved racing, hunting, fishing and gardening. Everyone in the community has probably eaten some of the fish he caught or some of the vegetables from his garden. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Newsoms Baptist Church with the Rev. Curtis Faison officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Hollywood Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall one hour prior to the service and at other times at the home of Randy and Sherry or at Mr. Vann’s home. Memorial donations may be made to the Boykins or Newsoms Fire Department or Rescue Squad or to Newsoms Baptist Church.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org