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Submitted: 12/28/18 • Approved: 12/28/18 • Last Updated: 12/31/18 • R1248522-G689449-S3
26 Sept 1931-17 July 2010
Husband of Alice Louise Orr
Marriage: 12 Nov 1949
Son of William Albine and Flora Carlos Bristow Nix
Billie Ray Nix, 78, departed this life on July 17, 2010, while surrounded by his family at home in Ash Flat. Born on Sept. 26, 1931, to William Albine and Flora Carlos (Bristow) Nix, Billie Ray lived his life in Ash Flat and graduated from the Ash Flat High School in 1950. He was a member of the Ash Flat Church of Christ.
On Nov. 12, 1949, Billie Ray married Alice Lousie Orr and together they celebrated over 60 years of marriage. To this union, three children were born: Janis "Jan" Nix (Monte) Himschoot of Jonesboro, Michael Ray "Mike" (Sheila) Nix of Ash Flat, and Beverly "Bev" Nix McCollum of Jonesboro.
Billie Ray was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: Melinda Nix Langston, Michael Himschoot, Melanie Nix Billingsley, Elizabeth "Beth" Himschoot Greer, Blake Himschoot, Katherine Alice McCollum Prescott, Kristin McCollum, Brooke Himschoot Clark, Karrah McCollum and Mary Ellen Nix.
He was also the loving great-grandfather of 12, including Amanda Nix, Logan Langston, Luke Langston, Dakota Billingsley, Becky Beth Billingsley, Chase Himschoot, Billie John "B.J." Nix Billingsley, Breigh Himschoot, Braden Himschoot, Mason Greer, Ethan Clark and Alice Katherine Prescott.
Bill is also survived by a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, William Lehman "Buddy" Nix and one sister, Ella Pauline Nix Branscum.
Since January 1960, Billie Ray Nix has been the president and owner of Ash Flat Livestock Auction. He worked tirelessly to improve the cattle production industry throughout the state of Arkansas, including time involved with the Jonesboro Livestock Auction, Pfeiffer Livestock Auction, and the Farmers & Ranchers Auction.
In addition to providing and economic boost for the business community, Bill Nix was actively involved in civic leadership: Main Street Ash Flat, Fulton County Water Association Board, Sharp County Fair Board President and Fair Manager, Farm Bureau Advisory Board, Eaglefest Planning Committee, Sharp County Extension Council, Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce, Tri-County and Arkansas Cattleman's Association, North Central Arkansas District Fair Board Vice-President, UACCB Board, Quail Unlimited, Appointed Delegate for Committee on Roads in Sharp and Lawrence Counties; Ash Flat Planning and Zoning (Chair), Highland High School Athletic Fundraising Committee, and a strong member of the Democratic Party.
He was an avid supporter of the American Veterans Memorial, City Park and Sports Complex in Ash Flat. He believed strongly in the value of the pursuit of education for the betterment of the individual as well as the community. By example, he encouraged his own children and grandchildren to attend college by selling a calf to put in their "college fund" each year. In recognition of their life-long commitment to others, their children established the Bill and Alice Nix Petting Zoo at Arkansas State University.
Bill was people-oriented person who was well-known for his visits with elderly in nursing homes, a constant caregiver and supporter of children, and who valued his time spent with customers. His lifetime positive presence will be missed.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, July 19, 2010 at 2 p.m. in the Ash Flat Church of Christ with Brien Nix Hall and Johnny Carter officiating. Burial will follow in the Wiles Cemetery in Ash Flat. Visitation will be Sunday at the church from 6-8 p.m. Arrangements by Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland.
Pallbearers include Michael Himschoot, Blake Himschoot, Billy Bob Bilingsley, Randal Langston, Steve Greer, Keith Prescott, Daniel Clark, Matt Birdsong and Luke Birdsong.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital, St. Bernard's Foundation, Ash Flat Cemetery Fund, or to a charity of choice.
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Alice Nix
( November 03, 1931 - December 20, 2018 )
Alice Louise (Orr) Nix peacefully passed from this earth December 20, 2018, after spending her final two weeks surrounded by family and friends, telling each of them how very much she loved them. Not that anyone had cause to doubt that.
Born to Winnie Grace (Bristow) Horton and Roy Orr, on November 3, 1931, Alice was the older sister to LeRoy Orr, Ernest Wayne Horton, and Danny Horton, each of whom she adored. At the age of 18, Alice married the love of her life, Billie Ray Nix, and together they worked side by side building a business, a family, and a beautiful life.
Alice was a loving and devoted mother to Jan (Monte) Himschoot, Michael Ray (Sheila) Nix, and Beverly Sue Nix (Jeff) Stone. She delighted in being a grandmother to each of her “pairs” of grandchildren: Melinda Kathleen (Randal), Michael Craig, Melanie Louise (Billy Bob), Elizabeth Jan (Steve), Blake William, Katherine Alice (Keith), Kristin Leigh (Mike), Brooke Ann, Karrah Ashley (Frank), and Mary Ellen (Bryan). She took great pride in each of her 20 great-grandchildren: Amanda (Michael), Logan (Julie), Luke, Dakota (Hayley), Becky Beth (Briar), Billie-John, Audra, Addley, Chase, Braden, Mason, Easton, Breigh, Ethan, Alice Katherine, Wyatt, Elizabeth, Sam, Wade, and Beverly Rose; her 5 great-great-grandchildren: Drake, Jenna, Kynlee, Ella Rae, and Graelynn, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Alice had a wonderful relationship with the Lord, the importance of which she impressed on everyone she knew and loved, and was a member of the Ash Flat Church of Christ for 78 years. She loved to travel, enjoyed trying new things, and never missed watching the Cardinals and Hogs play ball. Alice was also a member of the Sharp County Historical Society, Main Street Ash Flat, and Tri-County Cattlemen’s Association.
Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billie Ray; her mother and father and step-mother, Lydia Orr; her brother, Danny Horton; and her grandparents.
She loved and was loved a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. Her steadfast dignity, grace, and unconditional love will be missed every single day.
Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 23, in the Ash Flat Church of Christ with Tommie Boles and Jimmy Adcox officiating. Burial will follow in Wiles Cemetery at Ash Flat.
Visitation of family and friends will be Saturday from 4-7 p.m. at the church.
Pallbearers include Phillip Orr, Billy McKimm, Tom Peebles, Martin Carpenter, Gary Rogers, Jerry Corbit, and Lance Burris.
Honorary pallbearers are Hildred Johnson, Dan and Nancy Orr, Jane Orr, Linn Garner, Brien Nix Hall, Dr. Julea Garner, Teresa Green, Billy Joe French, and Max Denton.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Ash Flat Cemetery Fund, Paragould Children’s Home, and Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House at St. Bernards.
Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland.
Contributed on 12/28/18 by 414jones
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Record #: 1248522