Richard Clayton Nelms, Sr. 91, died at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, Saturday, October 15, 2016.
Mr. Nelms was born in Nash County, April 30, 1925, to the late Oliver Nelms and Annie Frances Braswell Nelms. In addition to his parents, Mr. Nelms was preceded in by his wife, Dorothy F. Nelms; his brothers, Louis Nelms, Sidney Nelms and Clifton Nelms; his sister, Lennis Newsome.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, a mild and meek man. He had a great sense of humor and loved to kid around. Mr. Nelms loved to talk, animals and beauty. He enjoyed watching sunrises and sunsets, enjoyed nature and God’s handiwork. He never said anything bad about anyone.
Surviving are his sons, Richard “Ricky” C. Nelms, Jr., also of the home and Michael W. Nelms and wife, Lori, of Roanoke Rapids; daughter, Victoria Rhea and husband, Ronnie, of Roanoke Rapids and Juanita Hambright, (who he raised and loved like a daughter), and husband, Doug, of Powhatan, VA; sisters, Lucy Fraizer of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren, Felissa Rhea and husband, Johnny, Clayton Rhea and wife, Jennifer, Seth Rhea and wife, Amanda, Ashleigh Southworth and Julie Hambright. Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Daniel, CJ, Thomas, Landin, McKenzie, Laurissa, Cole, Alexis, Noah, Aubrey, Dallas and Stormie.
A memorial service to celebrate Mr. Nelm’s life will be held 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at Quankie Baptist Church with Dr. Lavelle Waters officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall at Quankie Baptist Church and other times at the home.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to a fund for the care of Richard and Michael, c/o Victoria Rhea, 3701 Hwy 48, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.
Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com