Mr. Billy Ray Nelson age 88 of Gaylesville, AL passed away Friday, May 16, 2025 at a Rome, GA hospital.

Mr. Nelson was born September 29, 1936 to the Late William Belton and Jessmer Nelson. He served his country in the Army National Guard and was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church for 22 years. He enjoyed fishing and Alabama Football.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Mary Ann McGinnis Nelson; and sister, Ruby Nell Scrivner.

Survivors include his brothers, Lawrence (Cheryl) Nelson, William A. Nelson, James R. (Kim) Nelson; step-son Bobby Joe (Marquetta) McGinnis, Jr; granddaughter, Laci (Nate) Smitherman, Mahayla (Austin) McGraw; great-grandchildren, Regan, Zack, and McKenna Jo; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Nelson will take place at 1:00 PM EST (12:00 PM CST) Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Faith Baptist Church in Gaylesville, AL with Rev. Clay Mooreland officiating. Interment will follow at Moseley Cemetery with nephews and friends serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Tuesday at the church from 12:00 EST (11:00 CST) until the service time.