Franklin Gayle Nix passed away Thursday, October 18, 2012, at the Hospice House of Odessa. For over a year, he battled brain cancer in typical Frank fashion: with humor, kindness, a sweet spirit, patience and joy. He never once complained, and courageously persevered with his inherent smile. It is with great certainty and joy that we know Frank is now with our Heavenly Father, and ready to celebrate eternity in His perfect kingdom.Born July 10, 1952, to Joe and Frances Nix in Lubbock, Texas, Frank graduated from Texas Tech University. He lived most of his adult life in Midland, Texas, where he worked as a Petroleum Landman for over 32 years. Frank was an active member in the Permian Basin Landmans Association until his illness. Frank met his beloved Nonie at church and after a long 13 and a half year courtship, the couple wed on November 11, 2011. For the last year of his life, Frank and Nona were inseparable and the love and devotion they have for each other was evident to all those around them.There are few hobbies that escaped Franks interest. He flew remote control airplanes before flying full-size planes. He made custom golf clubs for the game he loved. He filled his own shotgun shells for shooting skeet. He tied flies for his fishing trips in Colorado. He brewed beer, grew vegetables and trained his own bird dogs.Many hobbies, such as slot car and go-cart racing, cycling, skiing, baseball and soccer, he took up and enjoyed with one or more of his four children. He was a remarkable athlete and exceptional coach. He loved sharing stories and would joyfully talk to or visit with anyone he met. Frank was curious about and enjoyed everything life had to offer.Frank is survived by his parents, Joe and Frances Nix of Lubbock, Texas; wife Nona of Midland, Texas; daughter Rebekah (David) Granbery of Flower Mound, Texas and their son Lincoln; son Kyle (Eva) Nix of Dallas and their children Carter Ane, Marshall and Presley; son Brett Nix of Mason, Texas and his finacee Courtney Stasny of Midland, Texas; daughter Allison (Casey) Zachry and their children Grayson and Analisa of Midland, Texas; brother Stacy (Kecia) Nix and their daughters Brooklyn and Campbell of Lubbock, Texas; and brother-in-law Mark Ray and wife Melissa of Lamesa, Texas.A very sincere thanks to the Home Hospice team and Hospice House of Odessa for the wonderful care they provided for Frank and his family.A Celebration of Life service, in honor of Frank Nix, will be held Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 11:00 A.M. at Stonegate Fellowship Church. Family visitation will take place Monday, October 22, 2012, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to Home Hospice or The Aphasia Center of West Texas.Rather than seeking fame or fortune, Frank invested his time and energy in his children and family. That invaluable investment has paid off greatly in the legacy that will endure for generations to come. Frank was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. This is not goodbye, sweet Frank, just well see you later.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,
