Nancy May Rector

Nancy was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 29, 1944 to the late William and Jean Osborne but spent much of her youth in Anderson, Indiana with summer visits to the family farm near Danville, Virginia. Her great loves – horses and music – became integral parts of her life at a very early age. She began riding horses at the age of four and enjoyed show jumping, dressage, training horses, teaching riding and fox hunting for the remainder of her life.

Although Nancy could play virtually any brass or woodwind instrument, her love of the French Horn gave her many opportunities to excel. During her teens she was a student of Max Pottaq, America’s foremost exponent of that instrument at the time. That led to her 1962 selection by the U.S. State Department to the United States of America High School Band, a contingent of 90 elite students from high schools across the country. The group toured Europe representing the U.S. at a number of venues. Following high school, Nancy earned a full music scholarship at the University of Southern Mississippi and later a graduate fellowship at the University of Michigan. After college, she played in a number of symphonies over the years, including those in Toledo, Ohio and Macon.

Her teaching accomplishments included the directing of high school bands in Louisiana, Texas, Clark Air Base in the Philippines and at various places in Georgia including Thomson High School in Thomson and Mary Persons High School in Forsyth. Her bands consistently earned honors, awards and critical recognition. During those years, Nancy also served in numerous churches as a choir director, instrumental soloist and praise team member.

She met and married Gene, her husband of 41 years, in the Philippines and the two lived in a number of locations during their more than 20 years of service to the country and to the U.S. Air Force.

Nancy was beloved for her joy of life, free spirit and keen sense of humor. She had an uncanny, God-given gift for making friends from all walks of life and particularly for inspiring young people to strive for excellence.

Most recently, she devoted her talents to private music students and to directing the Middle Georgia Concert Band in Macon.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Gene; her brother, Bill Osborne (Joy) of Vernon, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on Thursday, August 21 at 11 a.m. at Parkway Assembly of God with the Pastor Joe E. Williams, Rev. Clyde Johns and Rev. Steve Johnson officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Parkway Assembly of God, 5191 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon 31206 or the Middle Georgia Concert Band, 204 Josiah Court, Macon 31220.

Visit snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow's Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.