John S. Nelson
John S. Nelson of Greenville, Texas, passed away at the age of 94 on Christmas day. John was born in Delia, Texas on November 27, 1920. He was the son of R.A. and Lora Mae Nelson. He graduated from Hubbard High School and completed one year at Texas A&I College before being called into service in 1942 with the US Air Force. He served for almost 4 years in the China, Burma and India theater during World War II. Upon returning to the states he re-enrolled in college and graduated with a degree in Agriculture in 1949. John was a member of Calgary Baptist Church in Kingsville where he became a deacon at the age of 25. It was at this church where he met and married his life's love, Helen Joyce Minter. John and Joyce celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary last May. John was recalled to active military duty for the Korean conflict where he served for a year. His strong desire to serve his country led him to remain in the Air Force Reserve until 1980 at which time he retired with the rank of Major.
In 1958 John and Joyce and their 2 young children moved to Greenville where John worked for US Soil Conservation Service. He retired from the US Department of Agriculture in 1982. Shortly thereafter, he became the Hunt County Veteran's Service Officer where he served for 8 and 1/2 years.
John's dedication to serving others was reflected in his involvement with the First Baptist Church where he served in many capacities for 42 years. He also served as President in the service organization, United Commercial Travelers, and was President, Program Chairman and spiritual leader of the Golden Kiwanis Club for many years. For the past 10 years John greatly enjoyed serving as a Sunday morning greeter at Highland Terrace Baptist Church. The smiles, handshakes and especially the hugs from the boys and girls were very meaningful for him.
John was an avid gardener, known for his tasty tomatoes and colorful roses. He was a devoted grandfather and delighted in his grandson's skill at basketball and his granddaughter's love of animals. John was a gentleman with a deep love of the Lord, his family, friends, and his country. He will be missed by many.
John is survived by his wife Joyce, his son Randy, his daughter Marsha and her partner Gigi, 2 grandchildren Lucas and Emmy, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Highland Terrace Baptist Church with burial at Memoryland Memorial Park. The service will be conducted by Dr. Chet Haney and Rev. Royce Litchfield. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Charles Lawrence, Jerrel Tredway, Charles Stovall, Frank Marion, Don Taylor, Jerry Minter and Bill Baldwin. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Morris, Roy Baker and members of Shepherd's Flock Sunday School Class at Highland Terrace Baptist Church.