WILLIAM R. "Bill" NELSON, SR.

William R. Nelson, Sr. (Bill) 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2020  at his home in Sarasota, FL after an extended  illness.  Born July 30, 1939 in Brewton, Alabama., he moved with his family to Pensacola at a young age.  He graduated from Pensacola High School in 1956 later joining  the US Air Force and was stationed in North Africa.  Bill loved spending time with family and friends.  He was predeceased by his Mother, Lillie Belle Coon (Clements) of Pensacola and Father William Alton Nelson of Wewahitchka.

He  is  survived by his wife of 47 years, Martha Jean Marsh Nelson.   Children,  William Robert Nelson, Jr.and  wife, Elizabeth Samantha Powell Nelson  of DeFuniak Springs; James Richard Nelson of DeFuniak Springs;  and daughter Joanna Lyn Carter-Newton, Bradenton.  Five grandchildren, Amber Nicole Nelson,  Michael Wesley Nelson, Fernanda Maribel Newton,  Maxwell Christian Stocker and Maddison Lindley Stocker. His sister, Martha Ann Nelson and niece Lindsay Michelle Nelson of Pensacola.

Private family service will be held at a later date at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Bill Nelsons' memory  to one’s favorite charity.  Friends and family may go on line to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest register at jerryevansfuneralhome.com