William Nelson King Sr.

William NELSON King, known as Nelson, 88, made it Home this past Friday, May 5th, 2023. Born in Birmingham, AL on November 23, 1934, he lived almost his whole life in this community, but impacted the world far beyond.

He is preceded in death by: his father, “Daddy King” Judge Clifton King & mama, “Mama King” Rozzie Adele Pate King; his brother, Judge Milton King, and his sister, Juanita King Holcombe; his first wife, Ruby Jean Pate King; his second wife Brenda Jean Jeffares King; and his son WILLIAM N. King II (Cari). He is survived by his brother Cecil M. King; son Jonathan P. King; his step daughters Wendie Taylor (Chris & children: Mitchell Taylor (Kaylee) and Samual Taylor), & Lei Creighton (Tim & children: Tyler, Travis, & Ashlei); his daughter Brenda RENAI King (and children); and his grandchildren W.N. “Trace” King III, and Jessica EMILI King (William’s son & daughter);

“You’ll Never Amount To Anything” - a statement told to Nelson by an uncle when he was 17.

Growing up the youngest of four children, Nelson was known as ‘the baby’. He was super close to his parents, especially his mother, “Mama King”. He was always a creative person and a builder, always thinking of ways to make something better or new. As a child he helped his brothers build an extra house next to the family’s main house, where he lived with his brothers. Due to hardships during the Great Depression the family moved back to Ashford, AL to share a house with extended family members for a couple of years, then returned to Birmingham. At 12 years old Nelson surrendered his life to follow Jesus Christ. This would anchor him as he went through the rest of his life, pursuing a better life, wealth, and respect among men. As a teenager he designed and made outdoor furniture to sell at the local hardware store. Upon graduating high school in 1953 he went to work for Acousti Engineering Company. Over the next 3 years at the age of 19-22, he built a very modern house for the time to raise his family. He moved the family to Roebuck Springs in 1981. During his time at Acousti, he worked his way up over 32 years from a helper at the beginning, to Vice President for over 10 years. In 1985 he started his own company “Nelson King Inc.” representing and selling the products from manufacturers of construction tools and equipment. He proved to be a very successful business man and well respected by those who worked with and for him. He mentored many in his profession.

In the early 2000s signs of dementia and epilepsy arose and he retired in 2006. Over the years since, his physical condition slowly deteriorated, but his heart for people, for his family, and especially for God grew greater and greater. Over the past decade he discovered his favorite pastor/teacher in Joel Brooks at Redeemer Community Church, his church home. Nelson would say how understanding the Bible came alive for him and how it fed his soul for the Lord more than all the other years before.

At the core of his life he loved to teach and model to his children. Love, respect, responsibility, hard work, doing things right and doing the right thing, opportunity, patience, endurance, humor, generosity, taking care of your family, and caring for those who are in trouble, were always before them. He was a wonderful provider for his family, and protector of those in need. Nelson loved his family to the deepest parts of his heart, especially in troubled times, and sacrificed in so many ways to protect and build them up. It overflowed in manifold ways to others as well. We are thankful to God for you, Nelson, “Dad”, “Daddyo”, “Daddy”, “Papa”, “Jabo”, and “child of God”. We love you and look forward to seeing you again.

A visitation for Nelson will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Redeemer Community Church, 4002 4th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35222, followed by a funeral service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Family and friends are asked to meet at Elmwood Chapel located at 800 Dennison Ave. SW Birmingham, AL. 35211 by 4:15PM and we will all process together to the gravesite at Elmwood Cemetery BLK#25 for the committal service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the King family.