Billy Joe Nelms

Funeral services for Billy Joe Nelms, 88, of Bonham, will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 in Wise Funeral Home Chapel.  Bro Lee Jackson, Bro Gene Owen and Bro Troy Miles will officiate.  Burial will follow in Allens Chapel Cemetery.  Billy passed away Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021 in Bonham, Texas.

Billy was born November 19, 1932 in Windom, Texas, the son of Raymond Reginald Nelms and Delia Ann Brown Nelms.  He was a 1950 graduate of Windom High School. Billy worked for Babcock Brothers for 18 plus years in Honey Grove, Dallas, Hillsboro (manager) and Bonham (manager).  From 1969 until 2002 he owned and operated the Otasco/Coast to Coast store in Bonham.  He joined the Bonham Lions Club in 1957 and served as every officer at one time and is now a member of the Windom Lions Club.  Billy was a member of Constantine Masonic Lodge in Bonham for over 60 years, and has been a member of Central Baptist Church since 1959.  Billy enjoyed playing dominoes, raising cattle and horses and gardening. A true people person and dedicated businessman, the lives he has touched are countless.   Billy loved his family and spending time with them was his greatest joy.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Hershel Ray Nelms, Kenneth Nelms and Clyde Wayne Nelms, a sister, Mary Frances Nelms and an infant sister.

Billy leaves behind to cherish his memories his sons, Dennis Nelms (Susie) of Dodd City, TX, and Kelly Nelms (Pam) of Bonham, TX; daughter, Shelly Nichols (David) of Dodd City, TX; step daughter, Casey Fry (Lance) of Dodd City, TX;  brother, Gary Lee Nelms (Darlene) of the Self Community of Fannin County, TX; grandchildren, Lisa Williams, Cody Joe Nelms, Cathy Jones, John Nichols, Stacy Nichols, Wesley Howard, John Nelms, and Justin Nelms; step grandchildren, Braden, Cailee and Abbie Fry;  15 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchildren; a number of nieces, nephews, extended family and  friends and a special friend and companion, Margaret Childress of Bonham, TX and her children (Crystal and Bobby) and grandchildren (Gracie, Kolby and Willow).

Pallbearers will be John Nelms, Justin Nelms, John Nichols, Shelby Williams, Kelly Williams and Dillon Jones.  Honorary pallbearers will be Cody Joe Nelms, Tyler Lackey, and Wesley Howard.

The family will receive friends at Wise Funeral Home from 9:00 AM until service Friday.