William Russell Nixon, Sr., 94, went peacefully to be with the Lord on July 2, 2020. He was the husband of Janet W. Nixon. The two shared 62 years of marriage. He was born on July 14, 1925. Russell was the son of the late Porter and Swetie Nixon. Also, preceding his death was his wife Janet and son, William R. Nixon, Jr.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Douglas Nixon and wife Jackie; daughter, Lani Hill; daughter-in-law, Ruth Nixon; grandchildren, Niki Smith, Erin Hill, William Nixon, III and Dani, Aaron Nixon, Brittany Nixon, Griffin and Courtney Leach, and Hailey Nixon; eight great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.
Russell was a member of Kempsville Baptist Church for many years. He was a veteran of World War II in the Navy. He participated in the Navy’s boxing team. He went on to achieve three Golden Gloves Championships. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 28 years and retired as a Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate. He also retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections.
Russell was a devoted family man. He thoroughly enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid duck hunter, fisherman and gardener.
The family would like to give special thanks to Karen Vaughan of Ballahack Woods and Kindred Hospice.
The family will receive friends from 2-4:00 PM on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be private. Burial will be in Cudworth Cemetery, Wanchese, NC at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 8, 2020.
