Bill Nance

Billy (Bill) Ray Nance born December 27, 1929, to Boss and Laura Nance, passed away March 10, 2023, at the age of 93 years in his home north of Green Forest, AR after a year-long bout with Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Bill graduated from Green Forest High School in 1946 at the age of sixteen. After graduation, he worked his way westward to California to seek his fame and fortune. His search for fame and fortune was cut short when he got a letter from the Department of Defense informing him that he was being inducted into the Army. He served in the Signal Corp during his tour of duty. After being discharged from the military and marrying Ramona Atchley on March 6, 1953, Bill eventually returned to California where he worked at Lockheed and Executone. Upon returning back to Arkansas in 1965, Bill hauled milk, was a dairy farmer, served as Administrative Assistant to the Carroll County Judge, and was always available to help anyone who needed assistance.

After accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, Bill quickly grew in his personal walk with Christ. This growth led him to become a Sunday School Teacher and a Church Deacon. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Trinity Freewill Baptist Church in Green Forest.

Bill and Ramona were married for 67 years before she preceded him in death July 30, 2020. They enjoyed the joys and sorrows of married life together for all those years. Bill is also preceded in death by his parents, Boss and Laura Nance; brothers Reyburn, Lee Thurman, Joe and Paul Nance; sisters Bonnie Bessinger and Ina Faye Butler; and grandson Michael Shawn Nance.

Bill is survived by his three sons, Renne Nance and his wife Betty of Nixa, MO; Reyburn Nance and his wife LaVon of Green Forest, AR; Raymon Nance and his wife Sheila of Green Forest, AR; his sister, Eula Hyche of Green Forest, AR; 7 grandchildren (and their spouses); 17 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Bill will be interred at the New Home Cemetery, Green Forest, AR under the direction of the Smith Family Funeral Home in Green Forest. The family is planning a private burial and memorial service. The family will be available for a Gathering of Friends and Family for you to share your condolences and memories at Trinity Freewill Baptist church in Green Forest from 1-3 PM on Saturday, March 18, 2023.  In-lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or New Home Cemetery, c/o LaVon Nance, 1756 Hwy 103 N, Green Forest, AR  72638. Online condolences can be made at smithfamilyfuneralhome.net.

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