For Seniors Only: Golf & Volunteering
…Reasons for Bill Nagel to Get Up in the Morning!
At the age of nearly 83, you’d think Bill Nagel would be slowing down some, but for this active retired engineer, he doesn’t see it that way. Playing golf three times a week at Pinebrook Country Club, volunteering twice a week at Crisis Control Ministry, and attending twice-monthly meetings of Mercury Toastmasters Club gives him, as he says, “a reason to get up in the morning.”
Bill was born in South Dakota and remembers not only the bitterly cold winters, but the sandstorms that blew so strongly. After high school, he attended South Dakota School of Mines & Technology where he received his Bachelor’s Degree and later received his Masters Degree from Texas Tech. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War and after service, went to work for Western Electric.
Western Electric moved Bill and his wife Betty to Norfolk, Virginia, and to Japan and England, where they lived for several years before returnining the the U.S and settling in Winston-Salem. He retired from Western Electric in1990 and he and his wife enjoyed traveling internationally.
In 1988, Sara Smith, a member of his Toastmasters club, invited him to visit Crisis Control Ministry and to consider becoming an interviewer. Since he was still working, he agreed to volunteer on Tuesday evenings when clients who have jobs are seen. Over 25 years later, Bill is still interviewing on Tuesday evenings, and also Monday mornings. He also serves on their facilities committee.
Of his volunteer service, Bill said, “I humorously say that I keep coming back for the free coffee and snacks, but the truth is, I believe I have a responsibility to pay back to my community for what it has given to me.”
One client Bill will never forget is a women who happened to notice his class ring during the interview process. When she asked about it, Bill told her it was from Texas Tech where he received his graduate degree. Surprised, the women looked at him quizically and said, “And this is the best job you can get?”
Over 25 years later, Bill says, “You know, this IS the best job I can get.”
Bill encourages any retiree to stay active, whether it is through volunteering, serving on a committee, or joining a civic club. And of course, hit the golf course whenever you can!
