Macdonald Nance

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. The family will receive friends at a visitation 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

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.