Nelson received his B.A. from Ouachita Baptist University in 1965. He then graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1968 and received his Doctor of Ministry in 1997 from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored churches in Benton, Hot Springs and Waldron AR and Lingleville, TX, and was Director of Missions for Concord Baptist Association in Fort Smith from 1991-2007. His foreign mission work took him to many countries, including Nicaragua, Nigeria, Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil, Bulgaria, and Vietnam.
Nelson is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Elaine Wilhelm, one daughter, Julie Shaffer and husband Brett of Springdale, AR, one son, John Wilhelm of Oklahoma City, OK, one brother David Wilhelm of Jackson, AL, along with extended family and friends. He was also a published author and enjoyed piloting a little Cessna 150, oil painting, woodworking, his dog Bo, and his cat, Face.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Rye Hill Baptist Church. Services are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Lottie Moon Foreign Missions c/o Rye Hill Baptist Church, 11512 Old Hwy 71, Fort Smith, AR 72916.
