William D. Nelson (Bill), age 86, of Northport, died Oct. 26, 2014, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at Heritage Chapel Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial provider, directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wyman D. Nelson and Vivian L. Nelson.
Survivors include special friend and companion, Joan Inman; daughters, Patsy Rhodes (Roger). of Tampa, Florida, Sharon Montgomery (Ronald), of Northport, Alabama, and Connie Goins (David), of Cottondale, Alabama; sons, William D. Nelson Jr. (Sabrina), of Tampa, Florida, James Nelson (Clare), of Cranston, Rhode Island, and David Nelson (Patty), of Northport, Alabama; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorphine Mosely; brothers, Otis Nelson, Maxwell Nelson, and Billy Nelson (Billie); extended family, Jeff, Johnny, and Connie Inman, of Tuscumbia, Alabama; and his special family from the VFW Post 4919 of Sheffield.
Bill served with honor in the U.S. Navy. He was a dedicated member holding all of the offices many times for the VFW. He was involved with the DAV, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and the Military Order of the Cootie. Bill assisted with building membership, community service and all special birthday parties for the Cootie. He was a tremendous supporter of the VA Hospital and received numerous awards for his community service. He recieved the World War II Victory Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asian-Pacific Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, and Good Conduct Medals.
Pallbearers will be Chad Nelson, Dale Montgomery, Brent Montgomery, Jeff Inman, Hunter Goins, and D J Espino.
Honorary pallbearers are Bill Hibbard, friends at Martinview, friends of VFW Post 4919 of Sheffield, and Inman family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, The Military Order of the Cootie, or a charity of one’s choice
