Obituary for Billie Bob Nix

Ponca City Now - January 31, 2018 3:18 pm

Billie Bob Nix – Veteran

July 12, 1926 – January 28, 2018

Bill Bob Nix passed from this world on January 28, 2018, at the age of 91. He was born in Caldwell, Kansas, July 12, 1926, the second son of George M. Nix and Helen Nix Tinklepaugh. The family moved to Ponca city when Bill was four years old. He attended Ponca City schools. He graduated from Ponca City High in 1943. He was a member of the school orchestra and glee club. He owned and operated a dance school, where he taught tap dance while in high school. He had a beautiful soprano voice when he sang.

Although he was too young to serve, his parents agreed to sign the papers. In 1944 he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific. He put the Marines ashore on Easter Sunday on the island of Okinawa. After his service in World War II, he stayed in the Navy reserves and was called again to serve in Korea. He was honorably discharged after six years and eleven months of service as a Yeoman 2nd class.

Bill moved back to Ponca in 1989 from California, where he retired from Western Pacific Railroad. He became the caregiver for his mother, Helen. They attended the Woodland Christian Church together every Sunday.

Bill was a member of Dog training and showing clubs. He was known for his ability to train and school dogs. He never missed a dog training class. He was usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. He bred and showed the first champion miniature dachshund in the state of California. One of his greatest joys was taking his dogs to the local schools to show the children how well-trained dogs should behave. Bill loved dogs and hunting. Because of this, he also trained hunting dogs. He enjoyed bow season and bird seasons. During deer season he and his brothers in the deer stand. They never missed a season. Bill also enjoyed yard work and gardening. He spent hours with his roses and other plants. Bill was a friend to all. Once you met him, he considered you a friend for life.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Frost Nix. He is survived by one brother George Nix, Jr. and many nieces and nephews.

At his request there will be no funeral service. Burial will take place in the IOOF cemetery in Ponca City at a date to be determined by the family later.