Billy Nixon

Billy Joe Nixon, 82, passed away at home in Red Oak, Texas to a “perfect day of glory” on February 27^th after extended health issues.  He is survived by his wife Sandra of 58 years and a host of family members and friends.

Bill was born on a snowy day on March 18, 1941 to J. W. (Jay) Nixon and Lola Mae (Keenum) Nixon of Whitney, Texas.  He received all his education in Whitney and graduated in 1959.  Loving relatives, teachers and friends influenced the shaping of his unique fun-loving personality, his solid character and respect for others.  A year after graduation, he enrolled at Navarro Jr. College, graduated and headed to Denton – only to be unhappy and transfer to Baylor in the spring of 1963.  In his first class he met an acquaintance named Sandra Clancy.  The two would later make what they called a “Divine Reconnection” in July of 1964 on the Baylor Campus.  Bill and Sandra wed on June 6, 1965 in Miller Chapel, but only after he had secured his Business Degree.

Bill, as an insurance adjuster and Sandra, as a teacher made their first home in Odessa, Tx.  Shortly thereafter, Bill was called to military duty, opting for the Air Force.   He served in Amarillo and Big Spring.   After military service, Bill worked in San Antonio for Proctor & Gamble.  Loving the area, but not the job, he and Sandra moved to the Dallas area to work for Sears in the Catalog Division.  He loved the work and developed many life-long friendships.   Among the various departments he worked, Bill shined in Human Resources. During this time Bill found his “dream house” in Ferris, Sandra’s hometown.  It was a 1892 “fixer upper” which had belonged to J. E. Pratt, a pioneer of Ferris.  They bought and restored the house.  It was on the Gingerbread Trail as well as many other public events.  Bill was involved in many community activities including Pioneer Day, President of Ferris Library Auxiliary and Chairman of the Sesquicentennial Committee.  He was a deacon of First Baptist Church, worked with youth and was a 50-year member of Ferris Masonic Lodge and Order of Eastern Star.  

His interests were varied. He appreciated fine glass, antiques and collectibles.  It was fun filling the old house together.  Bill also enjoyed plants and gardening, restoring furniture, decorating, traveling, music, his cats (Goldie and Kenmore), taking art lessons, being with friends and eating (especially Sandra’s mom’s homemade biscuits, sausage and gravy).

Extra time was spent helping family and friends.   Joining Beacon Hill Baptist Church in Waco in 1989 gave Bill more opportunities to assist family as well as serve the Lord.  Bill served as a deacon and SS teacher but found his true calling as he and Sandra served as leaders of the Lamplighters.  He arranged annual trips to Senior Adult Conferences in Branson for many years.

With Sears closing the Catalog Division, Bill worked for Eckerd, Watkins Motor Lines and for the last 13 years of his career he worked in Human Resources for Exel.  Even with advancing health issues in retirement, Bill and Sandra made fun trips to Hawaii, Alaska and Australia and were able to complete visiting all 50 states.   His last days were spent at the Arabella Independent Living Community in Red Oak, where Bill was first known as that friendly guy who rode his motorized scooter and welcomed everyone.  He was loved and respected by all.

A special thanks to Bill’s family, friends and neighbors who have supported him, not only growing up but in retirement years as well.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beacon Hill Baptist Church, Gideons or the Parkinson’s Foundation.