July 9, 1933 - September 15, 2014                           Beaumont, TX

Tom Vance was born on July 9, 1933, in Waltham, Massachusetts. He lived there until 1951, when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Vance served two years in a combat unit during the Korean War, where he was wounded in action and received two Purple Hearts for his bravery and service. His time on the battlefield instilled in him a lifelong sense of discipline and determination that carried over into his later career.

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After recovering from his injuries, Vance spent two additional years in the Marine Corps Entertainment Unit, where he co-wrote and co-produced a touring production titled Broadway on the 38th. The show was a major success, receiving national attention and being featured in The Saturday Evening Post, Life, and Look magazines. Upon his return to the United States, Vance settled in Beaumont, Texas, where his charisma and creativity soon made him a well-known local personality.

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From 1959 to 1963, Vance produced and hosted Jive at Five, a top-rated local television dance show that became a cultural phenomenon across Southeast Texas. Billboard magazine ranked it as the No. 2 television show per capita in the nation, a remarkable achievement for a regional program. The show helped launch the careers of several local performers and brought national music acts to Beaumont’s airwaves.

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In 1964, Vance founded the Vance Agency, where he became the personal and business manager for numerous prominent athletes and celebrities, including NFL legends Alex Karras, Dick Butkus, and Dan Pastorini, as well as writer and actor George Plimpton and Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell. Known for his sharp negotiating skills and commitment to his clients, Vance earned a reputation as a trusted figure in the sports and entertainment industries.

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Vance played a significant role in organizing the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), helping to advocate for players’ rights and better working conditions during a pivotal era in professional sports. He represented the organization at press conferences, lobbied members of Congress, and participated in early union negotiations with team owners. His leadership and communication skills led to his appointment as the NFLPA’s first Public Relations Director, a position in which he helped build the union’s national profile.

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For ten years, Vance also served as the master of ceremonies for the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, where he urged Southeast Texans to give generously to the cause. Later, as co-owner of the Vance-Mathews Advertising Agency, he helped develop innovative marketing campaigns for some of the largest law firms in Texas, including the renowned Provost-Umphrey Law Firm. His blend of creativity, integrity, and professional drive left a lasting mark on both the business and entertainment communities of Southeast Texas.