Mr. Willie Nance

NANCE, Mr. Willie - Age 78, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Kith Haven Nursing Home. Family hour 10 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Word of Life Christian Church, 460 W. Atherton Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Pastor George Wilkinson officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Association, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10 a.m. Saturday. Mr. Nance will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 2-8 p.m. Friday with family present from 5-7 p.m. Willie Nance was born in Fayetteville, TN and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. He moved to Flint in 1955 and worked for General Motors for 41 years. During his time at GM he was a proud member of UAW local 659 and practically raised his children at the union hall. Willie lost 2 ½ fingers on his right hand in an accident at work, but it never stopped him from doing anything that he wanted. He was creative, handy and could figure out how to fix anything. He made knives, leather belts and wallets and could take what looked like nothing and turn it into something brand new. An avid sports fan, he coached basketball, ladies softball and baseball with children. As the coach of the Lady Red Sox he coached these women to numerous tournament victories. He also enjoyed bowling (which he did with his right hand) and later volunteered to coach kids. Willie’s real passion was his love for music. He was known around town as DJ “Sugar Daddy” in the 60’s and 70’s and was known to hand out the candy with the same name. He later changed his DJ name to Goldfinger and spun records on Blues Night at Arlene’s Lounge. He always shared his love for God, and his music with his children. When Willie told you a story be prepared to sit still a while. When it came to discipline we all would have preferred a belt instead of getting a talking too, because you never knew when you would be able to get free. His children will never forget that he never said good bye when ending a conversation. He always said “Alright, in a minute”. Today we say to our father, grandfather and great grandfather “In A Minute”! In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed 1st Corinthians 15:52. He leaves to cherish his memory: Dorthy Nance; 8 children, Ida (Ronnie) Mastin, Marcell (Frances) Nance, LaVern “Boo” (Nathaniel) McCann, Dawn (Roger) Kemp, Lisa Magee, Joycelyn (Alex) Carruth, Raheem Riley and Tannyika Riley-Daniels; grandchildren, Ronnie Mastin Jr., Ryan Mastin, Daniel Mastin, Samuel Mastin, David Mastin, Rozlyn Nance, Javarr Mayes, Toryn Dawkins, Natiera Dawkins, Le’Andra Wilson, Adriann Kemp, Na’Dira Kemp, Troix Nance, Jaylen Magee and Jerel Nance, Raheem Riley II, Italia Daniels, Taliyha Daniels, and Tiyanna Daniels; 16 great grandchildren; special friends: The guys at Willis Car Wash, Chandra Brandon and the Lady Red Sox team members; Extra Special thanks to McLaren Flint (8 Tower) and CNA Gail, Kith Haven, Ruth Ann Riley and Frances Perez. Mr. Nance was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Nance Sr and Estella Turner; brothers, Clarence McWilliams and Charles McWilliams; uncle, Roy Turner; nephew, Jeffery McWilliams; and brother-in-law, Wilbert Jones.

Mr. Willie Nance

January 24, 1937 - February 28, 2015