Rev. Billy Deering Nail

Born April 29, 1925 in Kennett, Missouri, Rev. Billy Deering Nail, 81, passed to his heavenly reward on February 23, 2007, after a courageous battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. He has resided in Bolivar, Missouri since 2001 and was a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Willie D. and Elizabeth Nail, and his sons Rudy and Redgy. Also going before him to welcome him home are his five sisters: Ola Mae Avery, Dorothy Mosley, Helen Heaton, Lillian Harris and Dolores Callis. He has five brothers awaiting him; Louie, Ellis, Roy, Willy D. and Burnell. Bill is survived by his wife Betty Jean, sons Randy, Rick, and Rod Nail; stepdaughters Ruth Patti and Judy Shaw; stepsons Dan and John Zimmerman; grandsons Mike and Brett Nail; granddaughters Jennifer Brenner, Amber Nail and Alexandra and Victoria Nail; great grandchildren Blake, Brien, Bradlee and Baileigh Rose Brenner and many caring nieces and nephews. Bill enlisted in the Navy during World War II and was awarded two battle stars for his brave service as a gunner during the Pacific operations (1943-1945.) He received the Lord Jesus as his Savior in 1950. In 1952 he was obedient to the Lord's calling in surrendering to preach and was licensed in Kennett, Missouri by the Providence Baptist Church. He was ordained as a Southern Baptist Convention minister in 1953 at the Providence Baptist Church of Flint, Michigan. Bill attended Golden Gate Seminary and was elected to serve on its Board of Trustees for two terms. During his 50 years of ministry in the SBC, he served as pastor of churches in Michigan, Iowa, California, Arkansas and Arizona. In Missouri he served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Fredericktown and New Prospect Baptist Church of Malden. The Lord graciously used Bill to start three churches: Eastgate Baptist in Flint, Michigan; First Baptist in Bettendorf, Iowa and Twin Lakes Baptist in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. After retiring he continued to do interim and pulpit supply service. He was a member of the American Legion Post 362. At the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar on Monday, February 26 visitation will be held from to 6:00 - 7:00 pm with a brief farewell service following at 7:00 pm with Pastor Gary Urich, Southern Hills Baptist Church officiating. Pastor Ed Jansson, First Baptist Church in Kennett Missouri will officiate at Bill's homegoing celebration at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett. On Tuesday, February 27 visitation will be 6:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home in Kennett. The funeral service will be Wednesday February 28 at 10:00 am. at the McDaniel Funeral Home. Internment will be at the Dunklin Memorial Gardens, Kennett, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the SBC Adopt-and Annuitant Program: Guidestone, 2401 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas, TX 57201-1498. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Rev. Billy Deering Nail

April 29, 1925 - February 23, 2007