WAMPLER, Vance

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona March 2012 Vance Wampler was born September 9, 1933 in Bellingham, Washington to Vance Wampler, aka Battling Slim Ryan, a professional boxer and Lillian Wampler. Vance left the San Francisco bay area on his own as a teenager to become a "cowboy" when he came upon a ranch in Prescott, Arizona. He attended Prescott High School where his basketball talents earned him a scholarship to play at Arizona State University. While attending ASU Vance was drafted into the army where he honorably served in the Korean War. After returning from Korea, Vance finished his education at ASU with a degree in English Literature. Vance owned and operated his own advertising agency, Vance Wampler Advertising. He pursued on to author and publish several books, two of many which showed his love for Arizona: The Prince of Garden Hills, a novel, and Arizona Years of Courage 1832-1910, on the Life and Times of William Hudson Kirkland, a book of history. He eventually pursued his passion of writing and reciting cowboy poetry. Vance passed away Sunday March 11, 2012 with his wife by his side at their residence of 44 years. Vance is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Pauline, his son Ryan and his two grandsons Chase and Cole. Vance will always be remembered as an incredible devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Services will be held at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ., 85024 (access on Pinnacle Peak Rd.) Friday, March 30th at 2:30p.m. The service will be held with full military honors.