William T Nailon Jr.

William Talmage Nailon Jr. passed from life on to his eternal home on August 23, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. Bill was born on November 22, 1920 in Snyder Oklahoma to his parents, William T. Nailon Sr. and Mae Etta Shackelford Nailon. He was blessed with one brother, Harold Glen Nailon who preceded him in death in 2016. Bill was raised on the Nailon family farm in Norman, Oklahoma until entering Oklahoma State University in 1938 and then the United States Army in 1942. Friends and family recall Bill as an honest, proud veteran of World War II. He believed in hard work and had great integrity in whatever he did. Bill was proud of his children and grandchildren; he set a good example for all, especially his family. Bill had several nicknames given to him by his friends and family. Those nicknames included “W.T.” or “T” by his parents, “Bill” by Bonnie, family and friends, “Dad” to his children, and “Popo” or “Grandpa Bill” to his grandkids. Bill received a Bachelor’s of Science in Entomology from Oklahoma State University in 1942 where he then went on, after his military service, to become a Fisheries Biologist for the Corps of Engineers in Denison, TX, Tulsa, OK, and Dallas, TX for 36 years. He later became an Entomology Technician at Texas A&M for 20 years after his retirement. Bill was a lifelong fisherman; he enjoyed Texas and Oklahoma lakes and trout fishing in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado. He enjoyed bird hunting with Bob, and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Texas Rangers.

When asked where his favorite place was, Bill would respond without hesitation – during the early years, on a lake fishing with his family. And in the later years, beside Bonnie sharing a love seat, watching sports… especially football, baseball and basketball on his television. He enjoyed listening to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys as well as the Lightcrust Doughboys. Bill would spend hours listening to the Texas Rangers on the radio cheering them on as only he could. He loved family holidays and celebrations and attended as many as he could. Bill was proud of his country and from 1942- 1946, served in the Army Air Corps and in the Army 19th Medical General Lab while stationed in the Philippines and New Guinea. He worked in mosquito research on the dreaded Malaria and Yellow Fever epidemics. With his assistance, his group discovered 30 new species of mosquitos and led to one being named in his honor, “Culex Nailoni”. Bill was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Richardson since 1970. He was always serving others volunteering for Network for Community Ministries in Richardson, TX after retirement. Bill was a proud, active member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). He was also a lifelong member of the Oklahoma Academy of Science. Bill married his sweetheart, Bonnie Cliett on June 6, 1947 in Denison, TX. This past June 6th, they celebrated 70 years together at their home in Richardson, TX.Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Mae Nailon and his brother, Harold Glen Nailon. His legacy will continue on through his wife, Bonnie Thelma Cliett Nailon formerly of Richardson, TX now residing in Frisco, TX; his son, Robert (Bob) William Nailon and his wife, Debbie of Baytown, TX; his daughter, Belinda Ann Mergen and her husband, Jim of Frisco, TX; his grandchildren, Rob, Trevor, Mallory Nailon, Matt Mergen and his wife, Courtney, and Josh Mergen. Blessed with many friends, Bill will be sorely missed by Syble Cox, wife of Bill’s lifelong friend, Ralph Cox as well as Bob and Yvonne Fritz, longtime friends and neighbors of Bill’s. The family would like to offer their many thanks to the staff members of Home Instead, Beyond Faith Home Healthcare, and Vitas Hospice for their love, care and support during this difficult time. Honorary Pallbearers: Rob Nailon, Trevor Nailon, Mallory Nailon, Matthew Mergen and Joshua Mergen. Bill was loved while he was here with us on earth, and he will continue to be loved through time and all eternity. He will be missed.The family would like to give a special thank you to Pastor Don Hood, vocalist Jennifer Rawlinson and pianist Martha Wainwright for their services.The family has requested that any and all memorial contribution be made to First United Methodist Church Richardson.