Bro. Billy Ray Nelson

PONTOTOC - Bro Billy Ray Nelson Sr., 81, of Pontotoc died Peacefully at his home on Friday, July 29, 2016 after battling for many years with a kidney disease. Bro Billy was born on September 23rd, 1934, in Charleston, MS to Will and Eunice Nelson. He was a graduate of Thaxton High School Class of 1953. He attended IJC in Fulton, MS. He attended many seminary extension classes over the years.

Bro. Billy was a Baptist and a member of In Good Faith Baptist Church Pontotoc County, where he pastored from 2008-2014. Bro. Billy was also the pastor of Pontocola Baptist Church, Lee County from 1998-2004, Bradford Chapel Baptist Church, Calhoun County from 1986-1998, Thaxton Baptist Church, Pontotoc County from 1975-1986, Valley Grove Baptist Church, Pontotoc County from 1972-1975, Longview Baptist Church, Pontotoc County from 1968-1972 and Thaxton Baptist Church, Pontotoc County from 1966-1968. Bro. Billy also spent many Sundays preaching at Juba Baptist Church, Pontotoc County. Bro. Billy was the music director in the early 60's at Northside Baptist Church in Greenville, MS.

Bro. Billy held several public jobs throughout his life. One he most loved was driving the school bus for 17 years for Pontotoc City and County schools.

Bro. Billy enjoyed quail Hunting, deer hunting, fishing, camping, softball, basketball and all Ole Miss Sports.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 31st from 5-8 at Friendship Baptist Church, 85 Friendship Rd in Ecru MS.

Visitation will be Monday, August 1st from 12:00-2:00.

Services will be at 2:00 at Friendship Baptist Church, 85 Friendship Rd in Ecru, MS.

Bro Kerry Nelson, Bro Caleb Nelson and Bro Burnette Fielder will officiate.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Annie "Sally" Nelson of Pontotoc; One daughter, Beverly (Chris) Ross of Pontotoc; Two sons, Billy Jr (Robin) Nelson of Pontotoc; Bro Kerry (Michelle) Nelson of Thaxton. 9 Grandchildren, Corey (Rebecca) Ross, Cody (Jodie) Ross, Cyle Ross, Lakyn (Dylan) Barrett, Meggin (Jeb) Clark, Lindsey (Warren) Chapman, Caleb Nelson, Katelyn Nelson and Eli Nelson. 5 Great Grandchildren, Manning Ross, Lyla Barrett, Millie Claire Ross, Griffin Ross and Mila Clark. His twin sister, Erma Fay Herndon of Nesbit MS, one brother Bobby Nelson of Southhaven MS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Granddaughter Bethany Nelson, three sisters, Elizabeth Gregory, Janie Jones, Nora Coleman, one brother, Tommy Nelson.

Pallbearers will be Corey Ross, Cody Ross, Cyle Ross, Caleb Nelson, Eli Nelson, Manning Ross, Warren Chapman, Dylan Barrett, Jeb Clark and Richard Stafford. Honorary Pallbearer is Griffin Ross.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the GMBC Youth Camp, 3035 Hwy 178 East, Tupelo, MS 38804.