William Villani Nelson, Sr.

May 13, 1938 - October 5, 2011
William Villani Nelson, Sr.

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William Villani Nelson, Sr. 73 of Leland passed away Wednesday October 5, 2011 at his home.

Born May 13, 1938 in McDowell County, West Virginia. He was the son of Nina Sparks-Nelson and Thomas Nelson.

He is proceeded in death by his mother, his father, and siblings; Ozella, Lucille, Geraldine (Jud), Athaline (Jake), and Harold.

He is survived by his wife of 11yrs, Linda Nelson, his previous wife of 23 yrs. Judee Nelson, his children; Gwayla Nelson-Chase and William Villani Nelson jr. His step children that he raised as his own from a very young age; Scott Looney and Cindy Talbott. His grandchildren; James Nelson Chase, Jillian Lewis, Jordan Lewis, Shelby Talbott, William Villani Nelson iii, Heather Nelson, Christen Nelson, Charles Nelson, and Misty Looney. His siblings; Alma and Ray. Five great grand children and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who lovingly referred to him as “Uncle Lonnie”.

He will not only be missed by his family but also by his many friends that called him, “Mr. Bill”.

He briefly served his county in the United States air force. He relocated to Maryland and was a meat cutter for Safeway grocery store for over 30 years. During this time he was an active member of the Accokeek, MD Lions Club. After he retired from Safeway he relocated to North Carolina. He utilized his CDL license and drove trucks for Howlett construction and Tom Parmenter trucking. He also owned and operated his own escort flag car service.

He was a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins. He also enjoyed golf (he even got a hole in one), bowling (he even scored a 300 game often), Nascar, and his TV remote! When he wasn’t working he enjoyed laying back in his recliner with that remote!

He was an amazing dancer who seemed to float on air.

Funeral Service 2:00 PM Saturday October 8, 2011 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel.

A Poem from his daughter, Gwayla:

Walk a little plainer daddy
Said a little child so frail
Im following your footsteps
And I dont want to fail

Sometimes your steps are very plain
Sometimes they’re hard to see
So walk a little plainer daddy
For you are leading me!

I know that once you walked this way
many years ago
And what you did along the way
I’d really like to know

For sometimes when I am tempted
I dont know what to do
So walk a little plainer daddy
For I must follow you.

Someday when Im grown up
Please be who I need you to be
Then I will have some children too
Who will want to follow me

And I would like to lead them right
And help them to be true
So walk a little plainer daddy
For we must follow you.

Please share memories and condoloences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street, Wilmington,NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • October 07, 2011
    Joseph & Gayle Wells says:
    We are going to miss the "Willie Nelson" we have many great memories over the years to look back on and laugh about...wherever he is, he's going to make somebody laugh

  • October 07, 2011
    Billy and Judy Cassidy says:
    Willie Nelson, Bubba, BRB (bar room buddy) ~~ remember the days at Bubba Lehman's Kabin on the Korner, a lot of laughs there ~~ not much of a card player ~~ whole lot of good memories in the Lions Club with turkey shoots, craft fairs, preparing chickens and roast beef for the BBQ sales. We sure will miss you Bubba. Linda and all the family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, dear ones. Love, Billy and Judy

  • October 08, 2011
    Estel & Connie Rickett says:
    To Linda and all of Bill's Family, Estel and I were truly sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Although we didn't get to see him very often after he moved to NC we certainly enjoyed seeing him when we all got together in Myrtle Beach. He will be greatly missed.