Billy H. Nelson, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 13, 2021. He was born on January 23, 1932, to parents John and Eva Mae Nelson.

He came to Jacksonville from Miami in the 50's to find a job. He said the night before he was to leave and return to Miami, he went to a small restaurant on Beach Boulevard where he saw a pretty girl who immediately changed those plans. A courtship ensued complete with several proposals for marriage, which were unfruitful. He said when she finally said, "Yes", he had to run back to his house and retrieve the ring. This was followed by his asking for her hand from her father, which he did twice, because her father fell asleep during the first attempt. The answer was, no. Over time, he earned the confidence of her father, they were married in October of 1952, and the rest is history.

He served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Over his life he had several occupations. A Produce Manager with Lovett, Winn Lovett and A&P Grocery stores, owned his own furniture upholstery business, and worked as Head of Maintenance for Southside Estates and Kernan Boulevard Baptist churches.

A professing Christian, he was a Deacon, a Lay Minister, Sunday School Teacher and Mentor to many young men who would go on to become Ministers of the Gospel.

He never assumed the respect of others. A gracious and humble man, he worked hard and always provided for his family both physically, and spiritually.

Preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Nelson, daughter Jeannie Nelson, son Paul Nelson, and three brothers, David, George and Richard Nelson

Survived by three sons John (Diane) Nelson, Jay Nelson, Allen (Debbie) Nelson, a daughter Martha Nelson, and a daughter-in-law Janet (Paul) Nelson.  He was blessed with 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 18 ^th from 5 – 7 p.m.  His Celebration of Life service will be on Friday, February 19 ^th at 10 a.m. at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6929 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Fl. 32211. His son, Rev. W. Allen Nelson, will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the American Heart Association or to Community Hospice of Jacksonville.

Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.arlingtonparkfuneralhome.com/obituary/billy-nelson

1 Corinthians 15:54

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.