MACDONALD NANCE
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Macdonald Nance went to be with his Lord
Tuesday, November 1, 2011, in Abilene, Texas.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2011, at Macedonia
Baptist Church, 608 North 7th Street, Abilene, with Chaplain Cliff Short
officiating. Burial will follow in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.,
directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South.
Macdonald was born April 22, 1931 in Searcy, Arkansas to the late Wilbert Edgar
Nance, Sr. and Janie Lucille Nance. He was the second oldest of five boys; he
was preceded in death by Wilbert Nance, Jr. his oldest brother, and Doyle Nance
his youngest brother. Macdonald has two living brothers Johnny Nance of
Lincoln, Nebraska and Jimmy Nance of Abilene, Texas. He accepted Christ as his
Savior at an early age and was baptized at Christ Temple Holiness Church in
Searcy, Arkansas. Macdonald was ordained a deacon in Searcy, Arkansas by
Reverend Fred A. Hobbs in 1970.
While attending Searcy High School he met and fell in love with his high school
sweetheart Gloria Jean Walker, whom he affectionately called "Glo".
The two were married in Judsonia, Arkansas in June 16, 1951. After graduating
high school, Macdonald began his career in the United States Air Force. He
obtained the rank of Senior Master Sgt. and completed 28 years and 9 months of
active duty service and a year and three months in the reserves. During his
distinguished career he was stationed throughout the United States and overseas
in Greenland, Thailand, Southeast Asia and England. His dedication and drive
earned him numerous medals in and out of combat zones. Sr. Master Sgt. Nance
was offered a promotion to Chief Master Sgt. (The highest rank an enlisted
service man can achieve) but refused the promotion because he and Gloria grew
tired of traveling the world and felt it was time to settle down. After
retirement Macdonald worked at the Credit Bureau of Abilene for ten years as a
manager of the collection division.
Wilbert Jr. "Bubba" Nance along with his brothers gave him the
nickname "Rock", because "He was so tough". Macdonald was
an avid gun collector who enjoyed shooting; he also enjoyed listening to music
and singing (especially gospel), in his early years he sang with the
"Dixie Hummingbirds".
Macdonald was Chairman of the Finance Department for 10 years; a deacon for
Macedonia Baptist Church for 10 plus years; worked in the Trustee Department,
the Usher Department, the Pastor Search Committee, and the Nursing Home
Committee.
Another one of his qualities is how he had a positive impact on young people,
his encouragement to achieve was the foundation of his wisdom and he always
tried to find the good in people; he was never afraid to help anyone anyway he
could. At home, Macdonald loved crossword puzzles and more than anything else,
spending time with his family.
He leaves to mourn his wife of over 60 years, Gloria Jean Nance; three
children, son Donald Wayne Nance and wife Sunshine Lee Nance; one daughter
Bridgett Yvonne Graham and husband Gregory Lavon Graham; and "baby
boy" son Kevin Lee Nance and wife Carla Maria Nance; brothers, John Roland
Nance and his wife Ardell and Jimmy Nance and wife Fannie; Aunt Bessie Lee
Turner; four granddaughters, eldest Larenda Nance Ross and husband Allan Ross,
Kristina Moses and husband Chris Moses, Celeste Graham, and Sadie Schiffler;
one great-granddaughter Nia Chanel Ann Moses; and a host of nieces, nephews,
and relatives.
You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliott-hamil.com