Paul was born in Munday, Texas, to Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Nelson, and was a graduate of Weinert High School where he met his wife Gracie. Paul married Gracie Brite on October 26, 1946. They were married for 65 years.
Paul was a man who dedicated himself to the service of others. At 18 years of age, Paul volunteered to serve his nation in the Navy and was sent to the Philippine Islands during World War II. After the war ended, Paul was honorably discharged and moved back to Munday, Texas, where he married Gracie. He also farmed, built cotton gins and continued the education her started while in the Navy.
Paul was a life-long learner and considered education a priority in his life. He saw education as the portal to his future. Paul received his fist Bachelor's degree from Hardin Simmons University. He then earned a Bachelor's of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Clinical Pastoral Education from the Institute of Religion at the Texas Medical Center, and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Abilene Christian University.
A few years after marrying Gracie and starting their family, Paul was called to serve our Lord as a non-traditional minister. Throughout his ministry, he pastored four churches, was a hospital Chaplain, and served as a short-term missionary at Boca Del Toro, Panama.
During and after his ministry, Paul was compelled to serve others. He was a Licensed Professional Counselor and retired from Abilene State School where he held several administrative positions. After retiring from Abilene State School, he went on to be an administrator for several halfway houses. He spent the latter part of his career as an administrator in home health care and hospice. Following his retirement, Paul and Gracie moved to Rockport, Texas, to be closer to their son Greg and his family. They lived in Rockport for 10 years.
Throughout it all, Paul served his family as a loving Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and friend. He was preceded in death by his wife Gracie Nelson, mother Blanche Nelson, father Clyde Nelson, and brother Joe T. Nelson, M.D. He is survived by one son, Greg Nelson (Pat) of Abilene, Texas, two grandsons: Jeffrey Nelson (Amanda) of Katy, Texas and Joshua Nelson (Patricia) of Vandenberg AFB, Lompoc, California; 4 great granddaughters; three sisters: Wanda Barbee of San Angelo, Texas, Mary Lou Morgette (C.B.) of Austin, Texas, and Ann Nelson of McKinney, Texas.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral home, located at 5701 Highway 277 South Abilene, Texas. Graveside services will be held on Friday October 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elmdale Baptist Church, 233 South Elmdale Rd. Abilene, TX 79602. Paul was a pastor and a long-time member of the church. Donations may also be made to the charity of your choice.
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