Surf City, NC | Vance Earl Kee, 88, formerly of Jacksonville, passed away Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center in Wilmington.Vance was born on June 11, 1928, in Memphis, TN. He was the son of the late Harry Kee and Josephine Spicer Kee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Fields Kee, in January of 2000.After graduating from Humes High School in Memphis, TN, Vance enlisted in the US Navy. He served his country for 20 years as a Hospital Corpsman attached to the US Marines. Vance was awarded the Navy Cross while serving in the Korean War. He was also a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal with a Combat "V" and two Presidential Unit Citations. In 1963, while still serving his country and stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC, he began working with the Civil Defense program in Onslow County. Vance retired from the US Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer in 1968. He took office as the Civil Defense Director of the Jacksonville-Onslow County Civil Defense Agency in 1967. After dedicating more than 27 years with Civil Defense and Emergency Management, Vance retired as the Assistant Director of Emergency Management for the State of North Carolina. In his honor, the "Vance E. Kee Award" was established in 1990. This award still continues today. It recognizes those in the emergency management community who demonstrate outstanding achievement in the program. After moving full time to Surf City in 1990, Vance showed his love for the community by serving as Mayor from 1993 to 1999. Vance is survived by three sons, Phillip Kee (Linda) of Asheville, NC, Freddy Kee of Lumberton, NC, Richard Kee (Robin) of Wilmington, NC; and daughter, Cindy Kee-MacPherson (Bob) of Clemmons, NC. He had five grandchildren, Beth Caras, Christy Crumpler, Brad Kee, Amy Osborne and LeeAnn Kivette and 14 great-grandchildren.Vance requested that there be no memorial service. His request was that the immediate family have a private celebration of his life.In accordance with Vance's wishes, memorial contributions may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.Condolence cards may be sent to the Kee Family, P.O. Box 4113, Surf City, NC 28445.Internet condolences may be left at Jonesfh.org.