Edward Thomas Vann

Rev. Edward Thomas Vann, a retired pastor in The United Methodist Church, graduated from this life to the Church Triumphant on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024. He was 88 years old. Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Columbia, Tennessee, on December 5 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Davis Chappell, Bro. Bill McDonald, and Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Visitation will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, Centerville, Tennessee, on December 4 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and December 5 beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at Columbia First United Methodist Church. Born in Huntland, Tennessee, on August 24, 1936, he was the only son of a blacksmith, Thomas Edward Vann, and homemaker and share crop farmer, Lucy Rorax Vann. He graduated from Huntland High School where he played basketball and football with Johnny Majors when Shirley Majors coached the Hornets. He graduated from Martin College in 1959 and met and married the love of his life, Peggy Waters, who preceded him in death. He furthered his education graduating from Scarritt College for Christian Workers in Nashville and Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. He began preaching at age 18 and served 27 churches in middle Tennessee for 66 years. He upholstered furniture and sewed custom draperies to supplement his income in the early days of his ministry. Brother Vann, as most folks called him, was a gregarious, fun-loving, quick-witted, and passionate defender of the marginalized and poor. He had a fruitful healing ministry and often carried anointing oil with him. He was a masterful storyteller and a powerful preacher. Most importantly, he was a devoted father and friend to his family. He is survived by his sons, Rev. Tommy (Claire) Vann, Keith (Tracy) Vann; grandchildren, Madison (Anthony) Hutchinson, Hunter (Kara) Vann, Scott (Tammy) Vann, Bryant (Kayla) Vann; great-grandchildren, Taylor Hutchinson, Brennon Newsom, Khloe Fuller, Sara Fuller, Ryan Hutchinson, Morgan Hutchinson, Daphne Vann, Briggs Vann, and Griffen Vann; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Billie Jo Bryant and Becky Sansom. Pallbearers will be Hunter Vann, Scott Vann, Bryant Vann, Anthony Hutchinson, Taylor Hutchinson, Brennon Newsom, Ryan Hutchinson, Morgan Hutchinson, Greg Barrett, and Rev. Jeff Jacob. Honorary pallbearers are Curtis Jackson and Jeff Minor. The family wishes to thank his life-long friend and colleague in ministry, Rev. Frank Smith, and special caregiver, Pauletta Epley. The family suggests memorials be directed to UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief, https://umcmission.org/give-to-umcor/) or any ministry that helps the marginalized.

Edward Thomas Vann

August 24, 1936 - November 28, 2024