Billy "Bill" Von Nelson Sr.

09-05-1935 - 01-21-2021

Oak Ridge - On Thursday, January 21, 2021, Bill V. Nelson left this earthly life for his heavenly home. Born in Randleman NC on September 5, 1935, he was the son of Charlie Eri Nelson and Martha Martin Nelson. All who knew and loved Bill will miss his kindness, loyalty and unfailing sense of integrity and fairness.

Bill graduated from Randleman High School, class of 1953, and later earned a degree in business administration / accounting at Asheboro Commercial College. He served in US Navy during Korean Conflict, and was assigned to a special weapons unit aboard USS Saratoga aircraft carrier.

His 40-year career with the textile industry began at JP Stevens in Greensboro NC, where he worked in production engineering and cost accounting. As the corporation underwent major restructuring in 1980s, Bill transferred to offices in Stuart VA, Wallace NC, Greer and Greenville SC. Subsequently he relocated to Cramerton NC and completed his professional career at Collins and Aikman Corporation.

In 2015, Bill and his wife, Pat, moved back to Guilford County and settled into retirement at Oak Ridge. You could usually find Bill in his garden, which he tended with his heart and soul. He also enjoyed feeding birds and squirrels that came to his backyard, and he was a fervent fan of NASCAR and Duke basketball. Above all, he loved his family, each of whom brought a special joy to his life.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia "Pat" Deaton Nelson; daughter Dr. Sherry Nelson (husband Dr. Martin Muller) of Albuquerque NM; son Bill Nelson, Jr. (girlfriend Cory Cruz) of Pasadena CA; grandchildren Luke Muller and Lily Muller. Bill is also survived by his beloved sister, Betty Humble of Liberty NC, and his extended family.

In addition to his parents, Bill is predeceased by premature infant daughter, Jill Nelson; brothers George, Ned, Lee, and James Nelson; sisters Pearl Walker and LuRay Jones.

Due to coronavirus pandemic the graveside service at Guilford Memorial Park will be private. A fitting tribute to Bill would be putting out birdseed for his feathered friends. The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers in ICU at Cone Hospital and the Beacon Place at AuthoraCare.