Billy Ralph Nelson's Obituary
Billy Ralph Nelson, age 79, resided in Longview, TX, He was born on October 20, 1941, in Portland, Orgeon and passed away on March 1, 2021, at UT Health Hospital in Tyler, TX.
Billy was survived by his wife, Carolyn Nelson of Longview, daughter, Monica and son-in-law, Wendell Elms, and granddaughter, Madison Westbrooke of Flower Mound, TX, brother Gary and sister-in-law Doris Nelson of Lake Cherokee, several in-laws, nieces, nephews and many friends. Billy is also preceded in death by his father, Ralph Nelson, mother, Anna Nelson Kerley and sister, Marie Nelson Patterson.
Billy was a perfect husband, loving father, father-in-law and adored PaPa. His beautiful smile, laugh and wonderful personality charmed all who knew him. He was the rock of the family and always had an amazing sense of humor. In fact, you could always expect Billy to joke around when you were with him. He was a gentle soul who loved the Lord and often shared his faith with others. He leaves us with a legacy of love, compassion, strength, joy and a man of integrity.
Billy was elected Vice President of Central High School in Grand Junction, Colorado. For those who knew Billy, you knew he was athletic. He was the ace pitcher on his High School baseball team and once threw a changeup after two fastballs that had the batter swinging so early, he almost fell down. Billy had to turn around to keep from laughing at the befeddled batter.
In the 6th & 7th grades at Lone Pine middle school in Medford, Oregon, Billy was the star basketball player. One game, he scored 12 of the 16 points to win the game, which the opposing coach protested stating that “Billy wasn’t eligible”….they had just moved into that area. Regardless of the schools he attended, he was always one of the most popular students.
Billy and his family moved to Longview his senior year of high school where he met his wife Carolyn. After graduating high school, he attended LeTourneau College and worked as a building contractor with his dad. Billy married the love of his life Carolyn in 1966 and in 1970 they gave birth to their beautiful daughter Monica. In 1970, Billy also began a 30 year career at Exxon Pipeline as an Electronic Technician before retiring in 2001. As a dad, he supported his daughter throughout her school years and all of her activities. Monica often referred to Billy as her true hero.
Billy had a passion for the Lord and his family, and made those his highest priorities throughout life. He was a faithful church goer and served as a Royal Ambassador Leader for the young boys group at Calavary Baptist Church. He loved fishing, camping, playing golf and had a passion for corvettes. In 2017, Billy finally purchased the corvette of his dreams which was a 2012 Grand Sport with only 7,400 original miles.
He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made to Woodland Hills Baptist Church, 2105 East Loop 281 Longview TX 75605 or at https://whbchurch.com/onlinegiving/.
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