Billie Ray Nix

Billie Ray Nix, 78, departed this life on July 17, 2010, while surrounded by his family at home in Ash Flat. Born on Sept. 26, 1931, to William Albine and Flora Carlos (Bristow) Nix, Billie Ray lived his life in Ash Flat and graduated from the Ash Flat High School in 1950. He was a member of the Ash Flat Church of Christ. On Nov. 12, 1949, Billie Ray married Alice Lousie Orr and together they celebrated over 60 years of marriage. To this union, three children were born: Janis "Jan" Nix (Monte) Himschoot of Jonesboro, Michael Ray "Mike" (Sheila) Nix of Ash Flat, and Beverly "Bev" Nix McCollum of Jonesboro. Billie Ray was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: Melinda Nix Langston, Michael Himschoot, Melanie Nix Billingsley, Elizabeth "Beth" Himschoot Greer, Blake Himschoot, Katherine Alice McCollum Prescott, Kristin McCollum, Brooke Himschoot Clark, Karrah McCollum and Mary Ellen Nix. He was also the loving great-grandfather of 12, including Amanda Nix, Logan Langston, Luke Langston, Dakota Billingsley, Becky Beth Billingsley, Chase Himschoot, Billie John "B.J." Nix Billingsley, Breigh Himschoot, Braden Himschoot, Mason Greer, Ethan Clark and Alice Katherine Prescott. Bill is also survived by a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, William Lehman "Buddy" Nix and one sister, Ella Pauline Nix Branscum. Since January 1960, Billie Ray Nix has been the president and owner of Ash Flat Livestock Auction. He worked tirelessly to improve the cattle production industry throughout the state of Arkansas, including time involved with the Jonesboro Livestock Auction, Pfeiffer Livestock Auction, and the Farmers & Ranchers Auction. In addition to providing and economic boost for the business community, Bill Nix was actively involved in civic leadership: Main Street Ash Flat, Fulton County Water Association Board, Sharp County Fair Board President and Fair Manager, Farm Bureau Advisory Board, Eaglefest Planning Committee, Sharp County Extension Council, Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce, Tri-County and Arkansas Cattleman's Association, North Central Arkansas District Fair Board Vice-President, UACCB Board, Quail Unlimited, Appointed Delegate for Committee on Roads in Sharp and Lawrence Counties; Ash Flat Planning and Zoning (Chair), Highland HIgh School Athletic Fundraising Committee, and a strong member of the Democratic Party. He was an avid supporter of the American Veterans Memorial, City Park and Sports Complex in Ash Flat. He believed strongly in the value of the pursuit of education for the betterment of the individual as well as the community. By example, he encouraged his own children and grandchildren to attend college by selling a calf to put in their "college fund" each year. In recognition of their life-long commitment to others, their children established the Bill and Alice Nix Petting Zoo at Arkansas State University. Bill was people-oriented person who was well-known for his visits with elderly in nursing homes, a constant caregiver and supporter of children, and who valued his time spent with customers. His lifetime positive presence will be missed. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, July 19, 2010 at 2 p.m. in the Ash Flat Church of Christ with Brien Nix Hall and Johnny Carter officiating. Burial will follow in the WIles Cemetery in Ash Flat. Visitation will be Sunday at the church from 6-8 p.m. Arrangements by Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland. Pallbearers include Michael Himschoot, Blake Himschoot, Billy Bob Bilingsley, Randal Langston, Steve Greer, Keith Prescott, Daniel Clark, Matt Birdsong and Luke Birdsong. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital, St. Bernard's Foundation, Ash Flat Cemetery Fund, or to a charity of choice.