Jack Watson Nelms, 92, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 4 PM, Friday, August 2, 2024, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, with Randy McDuffie officiating and Garrett Nelms delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with full Masonic rites. The family will receive friends Thursday evening, from 6 PM until 8 PM, at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Mr. Nelms was born May 6, 1932, in Ben Hill County, Georgia, to the late Acie Watson & Euna Mae Dixon Nelms. He was a gas truck driver for Champion Oil and retired as Manager of Hardee’s in Fitzgerald. Mr. Nelms was also employed with Ben Hill County. Mr. Nelms was a 50-year member of Pine Level Lodge #353, F.&A.M. and cooked for the monthly meeting for many years.
He is survived by his children: Danny Nelms & Connie of Fitzgerald and Gary Nelms & Dena of Ocilla; grandchildren: Lori Nelms Swanson, Amanda Nelms Steverson & Brad, Kayla Nelms Nash & Will and Garrett Nelms & Amanda; ten great-grandchildren and two sisters: Doris McDuffie of Fitzgerald and Joyce Smith of Fitzgerald. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Watson Nelms; step-mother, Maggie Pearl Nelms; a son, Ronald J. Nelms and a sister, Frances McCauley.
The family would like to thank the caregivers, Brenda Austin and Gail Carver and Bethany Hospice of Douglas. The family suggest those desiring to send memorials, please send them to, Bethany Hospice of Douglas, 1300 N. Peterson Ave., Douglas, Georgia, 31533.