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1934-2021

Billy Robert Nix, 87, passed away Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, after a lengthy battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s. 

Billy was born May 6, 1934, in Rome, Georgia, to the late Josh and Myrtle Nix. He spent most of his childhood in Alabama City, Alabama, as an older brother to five sisters who adored him.

At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy as an opportunity to serve his country and to see the world. 

Billy spent 22 years in the US Navy with most of his service on submarines. During those years he was involved in the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam, he was commander of two river patrol boats on the Mekong Delta. He and his men frequently became involved in firefights with enemy soldiers on boats, and on the shore, and they were also used to insert and extract Navy Seal teams. He received the Bronze Star Medal With Combat “V”; for his heroic acts and meritorious deeds performed during armed combat in Vietnam. He was also selected to receive the United States Navy “Recruiter of theYear” Award for the state of Georgia before his retirement.

As a young sailor, he came home on leave and rekindled a friendship with Nancy Bailey of Gadsden, Alabama, that led to a proposal after one week of dating. He and Nancy were married for 59 years, blessed with three children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Billy accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 14 at Hillside Chapel in Alabama City.

He was an active member of East Vernon Baptist Church in LaGrange, Georgia, where he was ordained as a deacon. He later became a charter member and founder of Lakeview Baptist Church in LaGrange. 

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Josh and Myrtle Nix, three sisters, Shirley Nix Bryant, Myrtice Nix Stachura, Joyce Nix McNew, half-brother, Ray Nix and Paul Nix, half-sister, Mary Nix  and a son, Paul Robert Nix. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Bailey Nix of LaGrange; daughters Kim (Mike) Bullard of McDonough, Georgia and Amy (Adam) Camp of LaGrange. Grandchildren, Drew (Morgan) Bullard, Kyle (Mallory) Bullard, Blake Bullard, Gracie Camp, Abby Camp, Liddy Camp, and Jonas Camp. Two great grandchildren, Oliva Bullard and Rosie Bullard. Sisters, Mae Aultman, and Sue Woodard and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Sept. 30, from 6-8 p.m. at Rosemont Baptist Church, LaGrange. A military burial service will be held Friday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m., Crestwood Memorial Cemetery, Gadsden, Alabama.  

The family would like to thank special caregivers, Gayle Studdard and Jabreka Ridgeway, and West Georgia Hospice for their care of Billy during his illness.