Bill J. Nelms' Obituary
Billy Joe Nelms was born on August 31, 1938. He was the eighth of nine children born to the marriage of Wiley Howard Nelms Sr. and Thelma O. Pierce of Bremond, Texas. He was preceded in death by both parents and seven brothers, Alex Nelms, Willard Nelms, Melvin Nelms, Wilbert Nelms, Allen Nelms, and Ommie Nelms. The family moved to Houston, Texas when Billy was two years old. Billy became acquainted with Christ as a young child while attending the Sloan Memorial Methodist Church with his parents and siblings. He and his brother Allen would go from 5th Ward to downtown Houston to deliver newspapers and shine shoes. Billy was a product of the Houston Public Schools. He attended Bruce Elementary, E.O. Smith Middle School, and graduated in 1956 from Phyllis Wheatley High School. In high school, Billy ran track and played football.
After graduation he joined his brother Allen in Los Angeles. He believed in education and attended Los Angeles City College while also working as a waiter at various restaurants. He continued his education at Los Angeles Southwest College, where he graduated with an AA degree. He went on to attend California State Dominguez Hills, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. In addition to that, he completed two years of Seminary study at Fuller Theological Seminary and completed three years of law school at Southwestern Law School. He was a “jack of all trades'' that included being a lifeguard, a waiter, and a short order cook. His most extensive and illustrious career was the 40 years that was spent in the Aerospace industry as Quality Assurance Aerospace Engineer. His longest tenure was at TRW Industries where he retired in 1998.
In 1989, Billy, along with his family, joined Crenshaw United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, CA. In his act of service mindset, Billy began to work in the church and became the Lay Leader for Crenshaw United Methodist Church. In 1994, Billy and Thelma joined Holy Chapel MBC in Compton, CA. where they continued to serve in various capacities. In 1996, Billy was ordained as Deacon. Deacon Billy worked with the Brotherhood, Board of Trustees, and his favorite Sunday School with the Junior High students. Billy spent his off time working with youth. He was part of the Inglewood California Park and Recreation system for more than a decade. He coached both of his sons in youth basketball, football, and baseball. In addition to working with youth, he enjoyed real estate investing, politics, history, and was an avid reader. He believed is doing whatever was needed for the betterment of the community and the people that were impacted by the community. One of the unique ways that he impacted the community was by sitting on a community commission committee fighting to make sure that there was a college in the area close to South Los Angeles and Inglewood. He, along with those that were part of that committee, ensured that Los Angeles Southwest College would be in the community that would impact Carson, Compton, Watts, Inglewood, and other areas of South Los Angeles. He was an advocate for those that were the least of us!
In 2002, Billy and Thelma moved to Arlington, Texas where they found a special place called Bethlehem Baptist Church (BBC) in Mansfield, Texas. Deacon Billy continued his dedicated act of service at BBC, one being ordained as Deacon under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Michael A. Evans, Sr. He worked with the youth ministry as the van driver for the afterschool program. He was a faithful Sunday School teacher, Sunday School attender, 1st President of the Seasoned Saints Ministry, and much more. His greatest act of service ALWAYS involved the youth and young adults! He would say that the young people kept him young!
Billy is the proud father of four children: Sharon Potts-Anderson (Spring, Texas); Billie Palmer (Los Angeles, CA); Kevin Nelms (Traci) of Cerritos, CA; Cedric Nelms (Karen) of Carson, CA. He is granddaddy to eleven children--Alisha Anderson, Natasha Anderson, Erika Hill, Jonathan Fletcher, Justen Palmer, Dominique Nelms, Isaiah Nelms, Khalid Nelms, Courtney Nelms, Kyle Nelms, and Kory Nelms. He is a great granddaddy to Latravia Anderson.
He leaves to cherish his memories and reflect on his blessed life. His wife of 55 years, Thelma. His sister Cora Charles of Slidell, LA. His four children, eleven grandchildren, one great granddaughter, two sister-in-laws, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, “Texas children”, Bethlehem BC leadership and members, Holy Chapel BC members, Chosen Generation Fellowship Church members, Wheatley High School Alumni, and many friends!
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