Bill Nance

Bill Nance was born in Kansas City, Missouri on Sept 7 ^th , 1927, to Bessie and Forest Nance. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Southeast HS in 1944. He went to Kemper Military School for 1 year of college and was then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 12, 1945. PFC Nance served at Parris Island, SC as a fire fighter and separated from duty on August 26, 1946. He then returned home to Kansas City, Missouri to work with his father in the family business.

As a young man, Bill enjoyed traveling as a private pilot with his friends in a single engine airplane. He often spoke about going to NYC for Broadway musicals. He even took his grandmother up for her very first flight. His love for live theater carried through the remainder of his life.

Bill was a travelling salesman for Kingsbury Homes in upstate New York, in the 1970’s. He was also a modular home builder; his company name was BNA-Bill Nance & Associates. When he came to Texas in 1979, he built several homes and worked for ReMax. Ultimately, he became an independent real estate investor.

Bill enjoyed looking at homes, he had an appreciation for architecture and landscape. He liked photography and traveling; one of his favorite places was Bermuda. He enjoyed many cruises over the years. His love for the theater took him to Branson, Missouri, New York City, New York, and locally here in Dallas. Other favorite pastimes were watching TV, he liked the Mecum car auctions, British comedy, anything political and All in the Family with Carrell O’Conner. He could really belt out a good laugh. He was a passionate Democrat, loved to discuss and debate the issues. Most of all, he loved all his dogs. From the Spitz he had as a child, to “Sweetie”, his Chihuahua and constant companion that never left his side while he was sick.

Bill was a long-time member and supporter of the Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Wyandotte Indian Tribe of Oklahoma, a descendant through his mother Bessie Zane Nance.

Later in life he supported the Joel Osteen Ministry, and he enjoyed watching Jimmy Swaggart on TV. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge. Bill believed in philanthropy; he was gracious and giving, he supported the Salvation Army locally here in DFW. He gave generously to family and friends in need. He gave gift cards and flowers to his doctors, friends, and the people that supported him through his health journey.

A favorite story he always told, many times during his life went like this. While growing up he was fond of visiting with his grandparents on their farm, in Oklahoma. He spoke fondly of loading up the wagon and going to town to sell their wares. They had to go to the creek and soak the wooden wheels, so they would swell around the metal, to allow them to roll.  After they took care of their business in town, everyone would congregate in the square and wait for the ice cream man. Bill would say, “And how much do you think my grandpa and I paid for 2 cones? A nickel, he would say, with a tear in his eye.”

We have lost a patriot, a member of our greatest generation. He embodied resilience, he faced his illness with bravery and grace. Always positive, even when it got tough. Rest easy Bill, we love you and will see you again one day.

Semper Fi

Bill is survived by his companion of 7 years, Sarah Poston, and preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Nancy Hahn Nance. He leaves 5 children, Michael William Nance, Susan Mary Nance (Bellante), Kathy Lea Nance (Stockdale), Christopher Forest Nance and Victoria Lea Nance. He has two stepdaughters, Pamela Cail and Victoria Barnsbee.

The family will receive friends for a visitation Thursday, December 2, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options. There will be a graveside service Friday, December 3, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 7405 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, Texas at the Garden Mausoleum, officiated by Rev. Todd Collier.

If desired, contributions may be made in Bill’s name to The Salvation Army 3528 14th St, Plano, Texas 75074 or Shriners Hospital for Children Shriners Hospitals for Children, 6977 Main St, Houston, Texas 77030 or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 5800 Campus Circle Dr E Ste 108A, Irving, Texas 75063 or Joel Osteen Ministries https://www.joelosteen.com