Richard Vann

Richard Lee Vann, of Mountain Brook, Alabama and formerly of Winter Park, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and friends. His beautiful and very rich life included honorable military service in the US Air Force, an illustrious career at Lockeed Martin spanning 40 years, expansive world travel and residence in Israel, and a profound dedication to serving God and others through extensive mission work in Costa Rica, Belize, and Latvia. He was a man of great integrity, with a genuine love of people, and his many friends at home and around the world speak to his fun-loving nature and his character alike. There was a notable goodness that radiated from him, which drew many to admire, trust and befriend him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail Acker Vann, and is survived by his daughter, Katherine Lee Mielbrecht (Robert Mark Mielbrecht), son, Brian Jeffrey Vann (Steffani Polk Vann), grandchildren, Lauren Elizabeth Mielbrecht, Kaitlyn Nicole Vann, Dillon Jeffrey Vann, brothers, Donald Crawford Vann and Michael Kenneth Vann, and many adoring extended family members. The family will receive visitors in the sanctuary at Mountain Chapel, 2541 Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham, Alabama, from 3pm to 4pm on August 29th, followed by a Celebration of Life service commencing at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Latvia, whose stated mission is to advance every resident of Latvia the joyful witness of Jesus Christ as the risen Savior. Donations should be sent to: North Alabama Conference UMC, Treasurer, 898 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, Alabama, 35204. Payable to North Alabama Conference, UMC, noting Memorial for Bud Vann - Latvia.