Lt Col William “Bill” Nesmith, Sr., USAF (Ret)
WARNER ROBINS – Lt Col William Purvis “Bill” Nesmith, Sr.,
66, entered into rest on Sunday,
December 16, 2012.
Bill was born on October 21, 1946 in Alexandria, Virginia to
the late Vardell Edwards Nesmith, Sr., and Annie Laurie Summerford Nesmith. He
was a 1968 graduate of the Citadel Military College. With pride, honor, courage
and commitment, Lt Colonel Nesmith served his country in the United States Air
Force where he was a B-52 Pilot, flying in over one hundred missions in
Vietnam. Lt Colonel Nesmith had a very distinguished military career. He was
the recipient of many awards, medals, and commendations; receiving Meritorious
Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters,
Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor
Device with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with one Oak Leaf
Cluster, National Defenses Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze
Service Stars, Air Force overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service
Award Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon,
Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, and
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. A resident of Warner Robins since 1994, he enjoyed woodworking,
computers, history, and political radio. In addition to his parents, his niece,
Niki Perez, also preceded him in death.
His memory will forever be treasured by his beloved wife of
forty one years, Dianne Nesmith, Warner Robins; children and their spouses,
Annie Laurie Jones (Stephen), Statesboro, B.J. Nesmith (Kristi), Bonaire;
grandchildren, Caleb, Anna, and Zachary; brother, Vardell E. Nesmith, Jr.,
(Cathi), Virginia Beach, Virginia; nephews, Vardell Nesmith and Douglas
Nesmith; faithful companions, Sammy and Sweet Pea, and many other loving family
members and friends.
A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at
4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in the chapel of McCullough Funeral
Home with Bruce Goddard officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family
respectfully suggests memorial donations to the Citadel Foundation, 171
Moultrie Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29409 (In memory of William Purvis
Nesmith-1968 Alumni on memo line)
Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for
the family. McCullough Funeral
Home and Crematory has charge of arrangements.
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