Harold Dean Nelms

Harold was the eighth of ten children born at home to John Wesley and Essie Ethel Nelms in Brookland, Arkansas. Harold was raised in farming family in Brookland and attended Brookland High School. He joined the Army Air Forces at age 18 where he served as an Aerial Engineer on B-17 and B-25 aircraft. Upon his return from military service he earned a BA in Agriculture and an MS in Education from Arkansas State University.

Harold’s ultimate calling in life was to be an educator, first as a teacher and administrator at Dixie School in Lake City, Arkansas, then as a science teacher at Howard Junior High School in Orlando, Florida, and finally as an administrator at Conway Junior High School in Orlando. Even after retirement he continued working as an educator, and was recognized as Orange County Tutor of the Year for his work with disadvantaged students.

Harold was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pine Castle, Florida for over 50 years, where he served as Mission House coordinator. In his spare time he enjoyed golf, camping, and being with his family. He was a kind and compassionate husband, father, and educator who will be deeply missed.

Harold is survived by his wife Elaine; children Renee (Mike) Smith, Russell (Terry) Nelms, and Rodney (Denise) Nelms; grandchildren Ally (Scott) Wyatt, Steven Nelms, Jenna Nelms, Kristin Nelms, and Anna (Alex) Ifkovits; great-grandchildren Dawson and Ada Wyatt; and sister Lucille Sparling. He is predeceased by his brothers Eubert, Charlie, Dennis, Woodrow, Creed, Tom, and Billie Joe Nelms, and sister Nora Alice Emenhiser.

Services

Thursday, October 27, 2022

First Baptist Church of Pine Castle,

1001 Hoffner Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32809.

Visitation 12:00 p.m.

Service 1:00 p.m.

Glen Haven Memorial Park

2300 Temple Drive

Winter Park, Florida 32789

Burial 3:00 p.m.