Billy Mack Nolen

Billy Mack Nolen, a resident of Dothan, AL, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at the Bill Nichols State Veteran's Home in Alexander City, AL.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 30, 2022 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bob Gross and Dr. Cecil Sanders officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Light of Birmingham, 2230 4th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203.

Billy was born on July 20, 1930 to Samuel T. Nolen and Lavada McKenize Nolen in Dothan, Alabama. Billy graduated from Dothan High School in 1948. He immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, with 20 years of service as a pilot, and attaining the rank of Major. Billy primarily flew the KC-135 refueling aircraft. His crew was highly distinguished and received a citation from Major General William Crum for being top flight crew in 1966 in Vietnam. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska in 1969 and a master's degree in education from Troy State and a second master's degree in counseling also from Troy State. Billy received his seminary degree in religious studies from Bethany Bible College. After the Air Force, Billy became an instructor at Wallace Community College and served as the Veterans' Administration representative. During the latter part of his time in the Air Force, and the years that followed, Billy served as interim pastor for several Southern Baptist Churches throughout the country as well as Alabama. In 1999, The Alabama Baptist Association recognized Billy for having served in more interim pastoral ships than any other person at that time. At the time of his death, Billy was a member of First Baptist Church of Dothan where he was involved in the Wayne Hannah Sunday School class and many other activities.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Laura Amanda Nolen; his parents, Samuel T. Nolen and Lavada McKenzie Nolen; his brother, Charles Nolen; and his sister, Joyce Nolen.

Survivors include his children, Vicki Lee Nolen and Christi (Charles) Ingrum; and his two grandsons, Tripp Ingrum and Eli Ingrum; as well as several nieces and nephews.