William L. Nations

Mr. William L. "Billy" Nations, 78, of Mount Airy, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2013, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born September 8, 1934, in Surry County, to the late John Robert Nations, Sr. and Lenora Wright Nations. Billy bravely served in the United States Army from January 1957 until being honorably discharged in January 1959. He retired from Westinghouse after 23 years. Mr. Nations was a faithful member of Blues Grove Baptist Church since July 1953, where he taught the Senior Adult Sunday School Class for over 40 years, always lovingly referring to the class members as "my children." Mr. Nations is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Polly McCreary Nations of the home; a sister, Marjorie N. Duncan of Winston-Salem; four brothers and sisters-in-law, J.R. and Fannie Nations of Dobson, Grady M. and Judy Nations of Burlington, CO, and Joe F. and Mary Ida Nations and Bruce W. and Judy Nations, all of Mount Airy; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends beyond measure. In additions to his parents, Mr. Nations was preceded in death by a sister, Bertha N. Cox. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at 11:00 AM at Blues Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. Sammy Lawson, Brother Don Collins, the Rev. Roland McCraw, and the Rev. Tony Holder. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy, where his body will remain until carried to the church to lie-in-state 30 minutes prior to the funeral service. The family would like to express their appreciation to his special caregivers, Frances and Lisa Casstevens, Pansy Allen, and Delmer and Judy McCraw, and the staff of the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home for the wonderful care Mr. Nations received during his illness. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Blues Grove Baptist Church, c/o Donna Draughn, 3069 Red Brush Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030; Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017.

"The Last River"

When it's time to cross the last river
And enter that beautiful land
You won't have to fear the dark water
If Jesus is holding your hand

Though the waters rage high and the river is wide
Jesus will cross it with you
When you enter the stream the water will seem
To roll back and let you pass through

For some the crossing seems easy
For other it's painful and long
But you know when you reach the last river
You won't have to cross it alone

by William L. "Billy" Nations