Jerry Nelson

Jerry Wayne Nelson, 85, of Grandview, Texas, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Burleson, Texas. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 am, Monday, May 19, 2025, at Trail to the Cross Cowboy Church, 226 Stadium Drive, Hillsboro, Texas. The burial will take place at 11:00 am, Thursday, May 22, 2025, at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.

He was born on August 17, 1939, in Sherman, Texas to Joseph Leon and Pearl June Pressley Nelson. He was one of six children and grew up in Denison, Texas. He graduated from Denison High School in 1958, where he enjoyed his time as a quarterback on the football team.

Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy on November 16, 1961. He was stationed at Oceana Navel Air Station in Virginia Beach, Virginia and served as an Aviation Ordnance man Second Class. Jerry was honorably discharged on August 24, 1964.

Jerry and his first wife raised their three children in Arlington, Texas. Jerry joined a relative's plumbing business to learn the trade. That business eventually became Tom's Plumbing in Arlington. Jerry became a master plumber in the 1970's and started Nelson's Plumbing out of his home. While he was running a plumbing business, he worked at General Motors in Arlington. He worked nights at GM and days with the plumbing business. His daughter, Wendy, kept the books, while sons Wade and Wayne learned the plumbing trade. Around 1995, Jerry transferred with General Motors to a plant in Kansas City. Almost immediately, he regretted the move and decided to move back to Texas. He retired from GM after thirty-two years and moved to Ivanhoe, Texas.

He married a longtime family friend, Shirley Elaine Walker, on September 27, 2003. They built a life they loved in Grandview, Texas. They bought a motor home and greatly enjoyed traveling with the Red River Rovers Club and as members of the Family Motor Coach Association for many years.

Jerry and Shirley became members of the Trail to the Cross Cowboy Church and Jerry was honored to serve as an Elder for many years. He loved Jesus and led a spiritual life, never missing a bible study or church service if at all possible. When he prayed, he never missed an opportunity to include the military, our President, and this country. Jerry was extremely patriotic.

He was an avid fan of many sports, but he especially loved college football the most. His favorite team was the University of Texas Longhorns. Jerry also loved a good Rangers baseball game.

Jerry loved animals and taught his kids to enjoy horseback riding and play days at various events when they were still at home. His favorite horse was named Striker. He also loved his dogs, Babe, Bliss and his special buddy, Peggy.

Jerry could fix just about anything, and he was a talented craftsman and woodworker. He was also known for his firm handshakes and easy laugh.

He was preceded in death by his son, Wayne William Nelson; his parents; and brothers, Bill Nelson and David Nelson. He is survived by his wife of twenty-one years, Shirley; his sister, Nancy and her husband, John Jones of Oklahoma; his brothers, Bob and his wife Arvilla Nelson of Vancouver, Washington, and Dennis Nelson of Alva, Oklahoma; his daughter, Wendy and her husband, Keith Gist of Arlington, Texas; his son, Wade and his wife, Holly Nelson of Hico, Texas; and step-daughter, Becky and her husband, Mark Phillips of Grandview, Texas. Jerry is also survived by grandchildren, Sara Sealy (Jason), Lauren Arias (Heath), Kristina Rice (Blake), Amber Bigham (Brandon), Aubrie Nelson, Clayton Nelson (Zoey), Tosha LeFebvre (Ryan), Victoria Gambrel, River Nelson, Cara Cherry (Brent), Derek Grippin (Debi); sixteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the "Building Fund" in honor of Jerry Nelson, to the Trail to the Cross Cowboy Church.