A beloved father and grandfather, Tommie Louis Nelson, Sr. (known as “Daddy, Papa, Nelson”) passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on May 12, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas, with his children by his side.
He was born in Frost, Texas on June 20, 1938, to Theodore Nelson and Wilma Nelson Calhoun. He was raised in Frost and moved to Fort Worth at the age of 14. Later he served his country in the United States Army until he was honorable discharged in 1957.
Tommie also married Martha Louise Waites in 1957 and this union was blessed with five children.
Tommie worked for American Manufacturing Company for several years and retired from Super Brand Dairy after 30 years of service. After retiring, Tommie worked for the Grant family as their yard foreman. He loved them like family.
This incredible man loved the Lord and was a faithful servant of Christ. He professed his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age. He was a member of Wesley Chapel AME Church where he was a dedicated member, an Usher, and the church’s head coach for the ladies and men’s softball teams. He later joined Zion Rest Missionary Baptist Church where he was a faithful Usher and head of the hospitality committee.
Tommie married Shirley Davis in 1987 and to this union one daughter was born.
He later married Cheryl E. Turner in August 2008. They had a happy life together until her death in 2022.
Tommie was a master landscaper and loved spending time with his family. His early morning walks and making friends were a staple in his life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl E. Nelson, parents Theodore Nelson and Wilma Nelson Calhoun, brother Bobby Frank Nelson, sisters Arlee Nelson Palmer and Jennie B. Nelson Elix.
His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his sons: Tommie Louis Nelson, Jr., Reginald B. Nelson, Sr. (Gail); daughters: Tonya D. Wright (Ricky), D’Juana Y. Gibson (Jerome), Tricia V. Solis (Keith), Niecy Nelson; stepchildren Delvin Davis (Kimberlee), Toya Davis Harris (Shaun); eleven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren; sisters, Rena Mae Cofer and Hattie Nelson Timms; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and a longtime friend James Masters.
