Nelson Ray Rester

Nelson Ray Rester was born to John Nelson Rester and Helen Bernice Rester on March 13, 1942 in Chickasaw, Alabama. He met his future wife, Patsy Wilkerson on a blind date at the wishing well by the Square on Mardi Gras day. They married on June 11, 1965. They have been married for fifty-six years. He was a carpenter for many years. He later worked for Doran Propeller Company as a welder to support his family. He opened his own business, Ray’s Propeller Shop in Gautier, Mississippi. He loved to fish and hunt. He went to church at Turnerville Church of God where he was known as a hard worker and raised his two children. Later he relocated to Gold Leaf Church where he was active. He truly loved God. His heart was full of joy when he could enter the Church. He was a devout Christian. He will be remembered for helping anyone who needed him. He was a hard worker in the church. In his business if someone didn’t have money, he would take in trades of whatever they needed but he also just let them have it. We often told him that we would put old Doc Brown that he moved upstairs on his head marker. He tried to show God in his life and often spoke to his customers about God. He also will be remembered for his love of family. Everyone truly loved him.

Nelson Ray Rester was preceded in death by both his parents, John Nelson Rester and Helen Bernice Rester, sister, Faye Rester, brother, Tony Wayne Rester, sister, Bernice Owens, great granddaughter, Ashlin Brooke Rester, grandson, Corey Allen Rester.

He is survived by wife, Patsy Rester, son, Steven Ray Rester, Sr. (Bonnie), daughter, Melissa Rester Perkins (James, Sr.), brother, Johnny Rester, five grandchildren: Steven R. Rester, Jr. (Amber), Christopher David Rester (Erica), Joseph D. Rester, James Ray Perkins, Jr. (Brittany), Kenneth L. Perkins, six great-grandchildren: Steven Matthew Rester, Bradley B. Rester, Mitchell D. Rester, Rose Davis, Dominic Davis, Nevaeh Sayer, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

The family wished to thank Kindred Hospice: Kelly, Lana, Andi, Jessie, Allison, and Ann Gill-chaplain, for their kindness and care of him.

Honoring Nelson as pallbearers will be Steven R. Rester, Jr., Christopher D. Rester, Joseph D. Rester, James R. Perkins, Jr., Kenneth L. Perkins, and Steven Matthew Rester. Honorary pallbearer will be James R. Perkins, Sr.

He will always be loved by his wife, children, grandchildren, other family and friends.

He will be greatly missed.

The family will be receiving guests for visitation on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Parkway, Saraland, Alabama, 36571. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at 9:00 AM until time of Service at 10:00 AM.

Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Forest Lawn Memorial Garden, 1000 Celeste Road, Saraland, Alabama 36571.