Wayne Thomas Nance

NANCE Wayne Thomas Nance passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2011, at the age of 76. Wayne was born May 9, 1934 in Dallas, Texas to James and Lucille (Goolsby) Nance. After graduating from Forest High School in Dallas in 1950, he attended Southern Methodist University. He postponed his college education in 1952 to serve as an active duty reservist in the United States Air Force. Wayne returned to SMU in 1954 to study accounting. He then worked as an accountant at various companies in the Dallas area, including Ford Motor Company and the conglomerate LTV. Wayne moved to San Antonio in 1963 to serve as controller for The Quincy Lee Company. There, he learned much about the real estate development and building business from Quincy Lee, who became his longtime mentor. In 1969, Wayne started Nance & Associates, Inc. He developed thousands of residential lots in many subdivisions in both the Houston and San Antonio areas, including The Great Northwest, Cedar Springs, and Pipers Meadow. Many community boards and organizations were blessed with his service and leadership. Wayne served as president of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association, and as a director of both the National Association of Builders and the Texas Association of Builders. He was an elected member of the Board of Trustees of Northside School District and predicted the phenomenal growth that has occurred in Northside. He served as a member of the City of San Antonio Planning Commission and the San Antonio Airport Advisory Board. He was a member of the first Board of the Bexar Appraisal District, later serving as its chairman, and a member of the Board of Directors of Alamo National Bank North. An instrument rated pilot for many years, he loved flying all over the United States. All who had ever flown in an airplane piloted by Wayne would say that his flying skills were quite superior to his driving skills. Wayne was a long time member of Oak Hills Country Club, and also served on its Board of Directors. He was affectionately known as "Coach" by many of his Oak Hills friends, a nickname well earned for his affinity for wearing polyester coaching shorts on the golf course in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Some of Wayne's happiest times were spent playing golf and cards with his friends at the Club. He also enjoyed his many summers living on Narragansett Bay and playing golf at Potowomut Golf Club in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Although he suffered a series of strokes over the last 11 years and battled cancer at the end of his life, he always kept his strong spirit and sense of humor. Wayne leaves a rich legacy in the business world and in the land, and most importantly in the people with whom he shared his time and stories. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter Andrea Michelle Steiger and his brother, Donald Ray Nance. He is survived by his wife of fifteen years, Karen Albrecht Nance, his sister Shirley Nance, three children, two stepchildren, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Wayne was especially thankful to his daughter, Glenda Nance Steiger, for her presence and support during his last months. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2011 with Rev. Roy Osborne presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northside Education Foundation, 6632 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78238, or the charity of your choice.