Longtime Germfask resident, Billy Stanton Nance, 81, died Tuesday afternoon March 5, 2024 at his residence in the presence of his loving family.
Born January 29, 1943 in Detroit, son of the late Herman and Ruth (Hall) Nance, Bill was a 1961 graduate of Huron High School where he excelled in football, track and band.
Bill was briefly employed with the United States Postal Service in Detroit during the 1967 riots before moving to the Upper Peninsula in 1968.
Bill was employed at the former Newberry Regional Mental Health Center for over 22 years, retiring as Shift Supervisor in 1991. Bill also was a volunteer for several years as an EMT for the Luce County Ambulance Corp. in Newberry.
Bill’s life was an example of the transformative power of God’s Word, which he loved to study and discuss. He was a witty conversationalist and enjoyed fellowship with friends & family-telling stories about the farm, the State Hospital, or his family, all with varied exaggerations. He loved being on a tractor in a hay field and shared his time doing so for a few local farmers. He brought us joy when he played the piano and shared his love of water with all of his kids. He was a wise and sizable man with a tender heart and great faith. He did not fear death, but rather rejoiced in it.
In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his wife Peggy Nance on October 17, 2020, grandson Bradley Cowen, aunt Nellie Gagnon and cousin Stacy Gagnon.
Survivors include his loving children Teressa Nance of Mt. Pleasant, Scott (Kris) Nance of Germfask and Chris Nance of Alanson; stepchildren Denise (Bill) Mattson of Grayling, Michael (Wendy) Mattson of Republic, Patrick (Pilar) Mattson of Sault Ste. Marie and David (Cheri) Mattson of Germfask; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; sister Ruth (Dan) D’Angelo of Flat Rock; nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Bill will be held Saturday May 18, 2024 at 4:00 pm at the Curtis Baptist Church in Curtis with Pastor Ray White officiating.
Memorials may be directed to Care Net Pregnancy Center of the EUP, 1420 Ashmun, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783 or at www.euppregnancyoptions.com in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
