Robert Nance

Robert Gray Nance, 93, of Ironton, passed away Sunday April 1, 2012, at his residence. The Coal Grove native was born Jan. 27, 1919, the son of the late William Jess and Dottie Beals Nance. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margaret Collins Nance, whom he married April 12, 1946.

Mr. Nance was a 1936 graduate of Dawson-Bryant High School and attended Marshall University. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving our country from 1942-1976. He was a retired electrician for the International Brotherhood Electrical Workers Local #317, retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Jeffersonville Missionary Baptist Church. He was a 60-year member of the Lawrence Lodge #198 Free and Accepted Masons, 32nd degree Mason, and a recipient of the Knight York Cross of Honor. He was also a life member of the VFW Post 8850 and enjoyed flying and playing golf.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Carol Kay Nance and Dottie Lucas; two brothers, William L. Nance and Ralph P. Nance; maternal grandparents, in whose home he was reared: L. R. Beals and Effie Beals.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert G. Nance, Jr. and his wife, Sharon Kay of Kingston, Tenn., and William Herbert Nance and his wife, Sharyn Kay of Deering; a sister, Rose Case of Ironton; 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Phillips Funeral Home with Rev. Roger Pierce officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens with graveside military rites and visitation will be today from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Zach Nance, Brent Nance, Robert Nance III, Curtis Clark, Jake Jewell Sr., and Jake Jewell Jr. Donations may be made to Ashland Hospice, 1538 Central Ave. Ashland, KY 41101. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.

 

Wilburn Bias

Wilburn Robert “Bob” Bias, 89,of Huntington, W.Va., died Monday, April 2, 2012, at River’s Bend Health Care. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Rome Cemetery by Pastor Jeff Black. There will be no visitation. Hall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/hall.

 

Albert Avery

Albert E. Avery, 72, of Ironton, died Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Ky. He was the husband of Margaret Avery, who survives. Arrangements are pending at Phillips Funeral Home.

 

James Smith

James T. Smith Jr., 71, of Chesapeake, died Sunday, April 1, 2012, in Sunset Nursing Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Schneider-Griffin Funeral Home, Chesapeake, with Pastor David Viars officiating and being assisted by Michael Wright and John Paul Patterson. He was the husband of Bonnie Tackett Smith who survives. Visitation is 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at Schneider-Griffin Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.schneidergriffin.com.