Bill Nelson

Billy Ray Nelson was born on January 26, 1933 in Barboursville, West Virginia to Robert and Mary Elizabeth Nelson.

He departed this life on December 15, 2025 to join the Heavenly Choir.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Eugene, Howard, Glenn, and Ralph; his sisters Brenda Joyce Nelson, Beatrice Nelson Orr, Gwendine Nelson Lambiotte; and his son, Christopher Nelson.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Jeanie; his sons; Michael (Mary), Marc (Kelly), Randy (Lynn), Kevin (Beth); and daughter, Kimberly (Tony) McWhorter; and many wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bill attended Huntington West Virginia East High School and entered the United States Air Force in 1952 and served honorably in the active reserves for several years.

He was also a loyal charter member of Impact Fellowship Baptist Church in Gallatin, Tennessee.

He spent a lifetime in Gospel Music Ministry for over 75 years.

Bill was a member of the Swanee River Boys Quartet, touring many countries with the USO.

In later years, he sang with David Reece and the Rangers Trio, and then continued actively singing with the Impact Fellowship Praise Team.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 9:30 until 11:30 am at Hendersonville Funeral Home (353 E. Main St., Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075). The funeral service for Bill will be held at 11:30 am at the same location. Entombment to follow at 1 pm at Hermitage Memorial Gardens (535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, Tennessee 37138).