Donald Nance

Rev. Donald W. Nance (83) of Bearden, AR passed away Mar. 6, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Oldner) Nance, his 3 children, Donna Wisdom (Steve) of Richardson, TX, Terri Hardy (David) of Little Rock, and Monty Nance (Candace) of Rogers, AR, his grandchildren, Tyler Nance of Little Rock and Peyton Davila (Israel) of Rogers, his brothers Allen (Billie) of Bearden and Edward of Fordyce, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lena Nance, his brothers Marvin and Aubrey Lee, his sisters, Gracie Simpson and Lucille Nowlin, Louise Nichols, Floye Steelman, and Bonnie Jean Harper.
After 60 years of ministry, Don retired from pastoring at the age of 80 due to his health. He began his ministry at the age of 20 by preaching at churches across south Arkansas which is where he met and married the woman he loved more than life itself. Together they pastored Assembly of God churches in Huttig, AR, White Oak, AR Clarendon, AR, McKenzie, TN, Hopeville, AR, Calion, AR, and Sparkman, AR. He pioneered the Assembly of God Church in Tennessee beginning in borrowed or rented buildings until he could build a church building. His longest tenure as pastor was at Hopeville Assembly of God where he pastored for 25 years. He later retired there with his wife.
Don devoted his life to his family and the people he served. During the 58 years of marriage to Shirley, their love grew stronger each day. His greatest struggle at the end of his life was his reluctance to leave her. He loved his children and his grandchildren, especially enjoying the times when they all could be together. He loved his church family and served them faithfully in big and small ways throughout his life.
Words cannot describe how much he will be missed by those who loved him, but his legacy will live on through the lives of those he has loved.
Visitation will be held at Benton Funeral Home, Fordyce, AR on Thursday, March 8th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Don's funeral service will be held at Bearden First Assembly of God, Bearden, AR Friday, March 9th at 2:00 pm. Graveside service is at Bethel Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bearden First Assembly of God P.O. Box 479 Bearden, AR 71720. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net . Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce, Arkansas.