Man shares his story of beloved wife lost in 2016 Gatlinburg wildfire

Jimmy Vance lost everything, including something so precious that can never be replaced: May, his wife of 53 years.

[@anitacook6143]

So sorry for your loss.

[@suesally2103]

So sad may god be with you and your family 🙏🏻

[@angela_tarantulas]

So sorry for the senseless loss 😢

[@maryriggs6939]

I love you 🙏🏻

[@jessewoodsonjames6669]

MY Condolences wont bring back jimmys wife but God knows shes in a better place,GOD BLESS The effected,Sending Love and Prayers for all families.

[@itsnotthesamething]

My friends were on vacation in Gatlinburg. They asked numerous times if they should leave, and were told no, everything was fine. It almost cost them their lives, as they got trapped by a fallen tree in the road, trying to escape. Their condo burnt to the ground just above them. The only things they grabbed on their way out were towels, which they quickly wet down, and two bottles of water each. Everything they brought with them to the condo was lost in the fire. God rest the souls of the fourteen who did not make it out.

[@katherinehayes9110]

My heart breaks for your loss.I truly hope the police and fire chiefs,emergency services manager,and the NPS get together to go over what could have been done for a better outcome and a definite plan.It seems that so many signs were missed or ignored that possibly the outcome could have been so different for all living in this area. As I listen to this man I realize you have to follow your own heart-if you feel uneasy then listen to your heart-do accordingly-don't wait for the powers that be to tell you what to do!!

[@Heather-oj7ps]

"Voluntary evacuation" is a bold face sign to leave, folks. If you're in the smoke, you are close enough for the fire to reach you. It's like lightning, if you can hear thunder you're close enough to be struck. Never take a chance! Be safe, don't be sorry.

[@Sarah.719]

My goodness. My heart breaks for this man.

[@tomh3652]

My wife died 11 months ago at age 60. We were married for 40 years. And being lonely is so hard to deal with. I know what he is going through . I guess his wife died of a heart attack he did not say unless I missed it.

[@angela_tarantulas]

My sincere condolences to you 🙏🏼

[@tomh3652]

@@angela_tarantulas Thank you so much.

[@chrisnewton9325]

So sad.

[@chrisnewton9325]

Preacher britches. I love it

[@EipsteinClyde]

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