A native of Hardeman County, he worked for over 20 years with Moltan Manufacturing prior to becoming disabled. He was born January 14, 1958, son of the late James Franklin Nelms and Fannie Christine Doyle Nelms and lived most of his life in Hardeman County, moving to Madison County in 2013. He enjoyed fishing, riding horses, camping, going to horse shows and watching western shows on television. His greatest love was for his family and he was widely known as a generous soul, always saying yes to anyone who needed help. Mr. Nelms was a member of Hebron Baptist Church.
Survivors include two sons, Jamie Chad Nelms of Middleton and Dustin Bray of Henderson; his long time companion, Tammy Pusser of Jackson; two sisters, Alma Kirby (Ray) or Bolivar and Martha Tillman of Middleton; two brothers, Williaml Nelms (Brenda) of Ripley, MS and Calvin Nelms (Cathy) of Mansfield, TX; and his grandchildren, Kaleb Nelms, Kelly Bryant, Kaltie Nelms, Shelby, Hadley, Kylie and Destin Bray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Ann Tillmon. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate) or the American Heart Associaton (www.heart.org/donate).