Willard "Billy" Douglas Nelson

Mr. Willard Douglas “Billy” Nelson, Sr., a resident of Bayou La Batre, Alabama, departed this life to be with the Lord on January 17, 2019. He is preceded in death by his father Floyd “Pug” Nelson, and his loving parents Jean and Andy Jackson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Geneabeth, their children Douglas Nelson Jr. (Beth), Della Akridge (David), his four grandchildren, Drew, Casey, Braxton, and Ashleigh, his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and countless friends and family.

Billy Nelson was a Godly and faithful man who loved his family and friends. His bold laughter and silliness would liven any room, and his wit was unmatched. He could tell a story better than anyone and would leave no face without a smile. He worked in seafood his entire life and spent the latter 30+ years before his retirement at Jubilee Deep Sea Foods in Bayou La Batre. No one made a better pot of gumbo, and he knew every Elvis Presley song ever written. He believed in Jesus Christ and helped anyone in need with eager faithfulness. He was married to the love of his life, Geneabeth, for 55 years, and never shied at playing their favorite love songs on his beloved record player for his special angel. Billy’s devotion to Geneabeth was unmatched. They married when she was only 15. He was quoted as saying, “Heck, I raised her, so how’d she turn out better than me? That’s the sweetest woman God ever put on this earth.” Billy was a family man to the very core and bragged on this children and grandchildren often. He was an Alabama football fan and enjoyed watching the games with family. He was funny, tough, strong, yet tenderhearted. And as his mother would say, “When God made Billy, He broke the mold.” He was one-of-a-kind. Mr. Nelson was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Bayou La Batre, AL for many years.

A visitation for Billy will be held Monday, January 21, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 13500 Wintzell Ave, Bayou La Batre, Alabama 36509. A celebration of life will occur Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Oddfellow Cemetery, Hwy 188, Bayou La Batre, Alabama 36566.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Nelson family.