Van Prince
1951—2024
Van Prince, 72, of Dingess, West Virginia, transitioned from life on earth to his heavenly home after battling an extended illness Tuesday, July 30, 2024. He passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born Nov. 12, 1951, in Logan, he was the son of the late Jackson and Cora White Prince.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Harry and Alice Spaulding Johnson; six brothers-in-law, Thomas Ferguson, Ronald Barr, Rick Nichols, Dillard Johnson, Wallace Johnson and Hillard Johnson; and two sisters-in-law, Agnes Messer and Blanche Maynard.
Van is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Murrel Johnson Prince, and five children, Van Prince Jr. and Michael (Kimberly) Prince, both of Dingess, Jamie (Andrea) Prince of Chapmanville, Crystal (Michael) Marcum of Verdunville and Kelly (Durand) Warren of Williamson; 21 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. His siblings also survive him: Opal Barr of Leon, Ina (Benny) Ferguson, Alice Ferguson and Mary (Virgil) Browning, all of East Fork, Rachel (Danny) Hood of Middle Port, Ohio, Donna Nichols of Laurel Creek, and Jackson (Beulah) Prince Jr. and Karen (Brent) Meade, both of Dingess. He also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends.
Everyone who knew Van loved him. Van was a devoted “Jesus Man!” His unwavering faith, compassion and kindness touched everyone he met.
An avid outdoorsman and musician, Van took tremendous pride in teaching his children and grandchildren how to hunt, fish and sing the gospel. His mouth never said the words, but his actions spoke volumes of these thoughts: “Family comes first!” Unselfish, loving and full of laughter, Van loved hard. He loved his wife and family hard and he loved Jesus even harder. In his final days, he continued to say, “I am ready to see Jesus.” Like the apostle Paul, Van fought the good fight; he finished the race and kept the faith.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at the Trace Church of God in Dingess with Arbie Dillon and Clifford Waller. Burial will follow at the Prince Homestead Cemetery in Dingess. Pallbearers – Durand Warren, Michael Marcum, Hasani Warren, Joseph Chafin, Ashton Chafin, Andrew Prince and Quentin Warren and honorable pallbearers – Clint Branham and Christopher Bailey. Arrangements are under the direction of the Callaham Funeral Home, Inez, Kentucky.