W. Preston Nixon, Sr.

William Preston Nixon, Sr., 99, of 1370 Center Hill Hwy, Hertford, NC, died Monday, September 2, 2013 in his home. Mr. Nixon was born in Perquimans County and was the son of the late Thomas and Minnie Chappell Nixon. A retired farmer, he had served as chairman with the Perquimans County ASC, was a member of the NC Pork Producers Association, and had received numerous awards for his achievements in farming. An avid horseman, he founded the Hertford Saddle Club where he had served as president, was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, and was also a member of Anderson United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for many years. Out of service to his community and its youth, he also founded the Perquimans Youth League. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Bonnie Lee Leary Nixon, four sisters, and two brothers. Surviving are his four daughters, Deborah Green and husband Will of Beaufort, SC, Amy Cullipher and husband Bobby, Kay Winslow and husband Ray, all of Hertford, and Charlotte Stallings and husband Carter of Hobbsville; three sons, Dr. William Preston "Billy" Nixon, Jr. and wife Sandra of Wilmington, Ed Nixon and wife Barbara of Hertford, and Gene Nixon and wife Artie of Edenton; a sister, Billie Stanford of Virginia Beach, VA; 23 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in Hertford United Methodist Church by the Revs. Larry Bowden, Bryant Perry, and Warren Stackhouse. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery with Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, handling arrangements. Friends may join the family at the residence. The family would like to express a special thanks to Mr. Nixon's caregivers, his daughter-in-law, Artie Nixon, and Eldora Brooks and Lisa Travers. Flowers are welcomed, or memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Perquimans Youth League, in care of Leary Winslow, 337 Cedar Stretch Road, Hertford, NC 27944, or to a favorite charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.