William Allen Nance

Mr. William Allen Nance (Billy) was born December 6, 1944 to the late Taffy Nance Smith in Roberson County, Marrietta, North Carolina. On Monday, September 4, 2023, he quietly slipped away to his eternal rest.

He received his formal education from the Roberson County public schools. Graduating from Rosenwald High School in Fairmont, North Carolina. William was a caring person who was always willing to help others. He never met a stranger.

He accepted Christ at an early age. In later years he was baptized into the East 3rd Street Church of Christ in McGregor, Texas under the leadership of Brother Agatha Robinson. He joined the US Army. He was an Air Defense Instructor. Some of his duty stations were, Florida, Hawaii, Korea, Germany, Ft Bliss El Paso, Texas, and Ft. Hood, Texas. After 27 years, he retired as a 1st Sergeant. He was very proud to serve his country. He became a truck driver. He worked at Owen-Illinois Glass Plant. In Waco, Texas for 15 years working with the spotters. He coached Little League baseball for several years coaching his grandson at Southern Little League.

In 1982, he met the love of his life, Sharon, at Ft. Hood, Texas now (Ft. Cavazos). They were married and remained together for over 40 years.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Taffy N. Smith, Father and Mother-in-law, I.J. and Lola Jones, Brother-in-laws, Leonard (Butch) Worley, Harry Green and Murphy Washington, Sister-in-laws, Geraldine, Bernice, Hester, and Ruby.

He leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife Sharon Nance of McGregor, Texas, son and daughter Christopher (Katherine) Nance and Deadra Barthelemy of El Paso, Texas. Devoted daughter Sharri Pyburn of Waco, Texas. One Faithful sister Evelyn Worley of Fair Bluff, North Carolina, One brother Jim C. Smith of Fair Bluff, North Carolina. A loving niece Ashleigh Smith and three great nieces: Ashlyn, Cierra and Maddie all residing in Whiteville, North Carolina. Shaquasia Ballard of Fair Bluff, North Carolina. Two Brother-in-laws: Charles Jones of Killeen, Texas, Frank Dennis of Waco, Texas. Sister-in-law Dyres Washington of Lancaster, Texas. Two devoted nephews: Damien Green and Devion Green Moore. One devoted additional son Byron Pyburn, Sr. of Waco, Texas.who always called him “Pop”. One god-daughter Lacey (Claxton) Charles of Shelby Township, Michigan.

He was a loving Papa to all of his grandchildren whom he loved very much. Tashi Barthelemy, Byron (Lisa) Pyburn, Jr., Devonte (Mariha) Alexander, Allison Nance, and Crista Nance. Great grandchildren are Jamari, Ainsley (Annie) and Elyas and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special friends: Mr. Thomas Jones of Lumberton, North Carolina and Larry and Patsy Reed of McGregor, Texas. He also loved and spoiled his grand dogs Sabrina, Miss Daisy, and Mr. Willy. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends.