Willie Nelson Christie

Willie Nelson Christie, 85, died Sunday, September 20, 2015, in Memphis.

Graveside services were held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2015, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Darrell Burton, officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Nelson was born August 7, 1930, in Clarendon to Lesker Olin and Sally Christie. He married Virginia Sue Denney on May 26, 1962, in Clarendon. He had been a counselor in public schools prior to his retirement, and was well known while as a counselor. He and Virginia lived in Clarendon until 1968 where they moved to Arizona and moved back to Clarendon after their retirement in 1993. In 2007, they moved to New Mexico. He was a member of the Martin Baptist Church in Clarendon and the First Baptist Church in Kirtland where he was a member of the choir and a deacon in the churches he served. He was a mentor and a father figure to many kids. He enjoyed woodworking with his grandkids, fishing and camping in southwest Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife on March 6, 2013; 2 brothers; and 1 sister.

He is survived by a son, Mike Christie and wife Richie of Fruitland, New Mexico; a daughter, Jane Christie of Chinle, Arizona; a sister, Mary Ford of Lubbock; and five grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to the Martin Baptist Church in Clarendon.