Carl Lee "Kilo" Nance III

1952 - 2025

Just one day after the passing of his father, Mr. Carl Lee Nance III, lovingly known to most as "Kilo"- entered his Heavenly Home on Monday night, December 1, 2025, at Magnolia Hospital in Corinth, Mississippi. With a peace that could only come from above, he stepped into eternity and into the embrace of the family who had gone on before him. In God's perfect timing, father and son were reunited-two lives so closely knit on earth now made whole again in Heaven, a homecoming surely welcomed with joy.

Services honoring this devoted father and son will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with visitation from 11 AM until the time of service. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by this remarkable family are warmly invited to gather, remember, and reflect. Following the chapel service, private family graveside services will be held-Mr. Nance, Jr. will be laid to rest in Tippah Memorial Gardens, and Mr. Carl Lee "Kilo" Nance III will be laid to rest in the Nance Family Cemetery.

Born on June 15, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee, Carl was the cherished son of the late Carl Lee Nance Jr. and Virginia Aldridge Nance. He graduated from Ripley High School before furthering his education at Northeast Mississippi Community College, preparing himself for the life of purpose and dedication he would build.

A proud and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Carl found his greatest joy in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. He continued the family legacy by working alongside his father in their well-known community business, R. L. Nance and Company. Day after day, shoulder to shoulder, they devoted themselves to serving the people of Tippah County. Carl took immense pride in the generational business, honoring the hard work, reputation, and foundation laid long before him.

A Christian and member of First Baptist Church, Carl lived a life marked by simple pleasures and genuine joy. He loved good food-especially when he was cooking it-and was known by many as a legendary "amateur chef" whose creations were as memorable as his company. His appreciation of great music spanned genres, and he thrived in the presence of those he loved. He was happiest outdoors, surrounded by God's handiwork, and in earlier years, he traveled often, especially to the coast, where scuba diving and the ocean brought him a sense of peace and freedom like no other.

Carl possessed a kind, easygoing spirit that made people feel welcome in his presence. His personality was warm, witty, and sincere. He took great pride in taking care of himself, but even greater pride in caring for others. A thoughtful listener, he valued meaningful conversation and never rushed the moments shared with those he held dear. His humor-sometimes dry, always genuine-added light to many days.

Carl's life mattered deeply. To his children, he was a steady and loving father. To his grandchildren and great grandchild, he was a source of wisdom and encouragement. To his community, he was a trusted friend whose kindness stretched far and wide. Those who knew him will forever carry pieces of his goodness with them.

Though his earthly presence will be missed beyond measure, there is comfort in knowing where Carl is. It is impossible not to see the grace in the timing-how, only one day after his father's passing, he was called Home as well. The bond they shared throughout life continued into eternity, reunited with his parents, his loved ones, and the Savior he trusted. In Heaven, the story the Nance family began on earth continues, whole and everlasting.

Those left to cherish Carl's legacy include his daughter, Angela Nance Bostelman-Kaczmarek (Thomas), his son, Nicholas Nance (Keri Jackson), six grandchildren, Max Bostelman, Will Bostelman, Luke Bostelman, Ryan Kaczmarek, Noelle Kaczmarek and Phoenix Lee Nance, one great grandson, Ellis Hart Bostelman, his previous wife, Cyndi Eaton, and two cousins, Richard Nance, and Dave Craig Jr. (Susan), along with a wide circle of friends throughout the community.

His is preceded in death by his parents, along with his brother, Philip "Possum" Nance, and uncle, Robert Finch Nance.

In memory of Carl, donations may be made online through the link below or by check. Checks may be made payable to Ripley Main Street Revitalization and mailed or delivered to: Ripley Main Street Office 111 East Spring Street, Ripley, MS 38663.