Johnie Leon Nelson
October 22, 1963 – October 12, 2021
Johnie Leon Nelson Jr. "John Boy" was born to Johnie Leon Nelson Sr. and the late Shirley Nelson (Vivian) in Valparaiso, Indiana on Tuesday, October 22, 1963. He was the second oldest and first son out of six children. Johnie attended school in Halls, TN and worked for Halls Gin Company for 17 years. He was also a general mechanic and was known by other as the person who could fix anything. On December 12, 1992 he married the love of his life and they raised eight children together. He accepted Christ and was a member of Bethesda Methodist Church. Johnie was given the childhood nickname "Bad Boy" when he was in school by his Uncle Dewight because he was always getting in trouble for fighting at school. To all who knew him growing up, Johnie most certainly lived up to his nickname. Johnie was known for his fun-loving personality and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. They had him wrapped around their fingers and got away with just about everything. He was proud to be a Papaw and talked about them to anyone who would listen. Johnie loved going to the beach with his daughter, teaching his other daughter how not to get in trouble (haha), fixing vehicles with his grandsons, fishing with his son, having talking sessions with granddaughters, and most of all his wife's cooking. He rarely met a stranger and was a simple man, with a simple touch, that allowed him to be known and loved by many. He did not believe blood made a person family. On October 12, 2021, Johnie departed this life and entered into eternal rest surrounded by his wife, son, and daughter in Oxford, Mississippi, after a courageous battle with Covid Pneumonia. He was preceded in death by his son, Johnie Leon Nelson III; mother, Shirley Nelson; sister, Lisa Nelson; and two brother-in-laws, Gene Pounders and Mike Ammons. He leaves to cherish his memory the following survivors: his wife, Joyce O. Nelson (Simpson) of Halls, TN; seven children: Gwinn (Chris)Dennis of Williamsburg, VA, Jeremiah (Amanda) Kilpatrick of Poplar Bluff, MO; Opal (Bobbi) Younger of Halls, TN; Vanessa, Crystal, Tiffany, and Danny Nelson; ten grandchildren-Chris Jr., Chaston, Caleigh, and Crysten Henson; Maki and Talayeh Dennis, Braylon and Alaina Kilpatrick, Izzy Young, Charlie Gracia, and others; his father, Johnie Leon Nelson Sr. of Halls, TN; three sisters- Marie Pounders and Sharon (Henry) Stephens both of Ripley, TN; and Wanda Harbor of Halls, TN; one brother, Bobby Nelson of Halls, TN; a host of nieces and nephews, bonus grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Cemetery Details Dry Hill Cemetery Dry Hill RD east Halls, TN Previous Events Visitation OCT 20. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CT) Halls Funeral Home 109 North Church Street Halls, TN 38040 (731) 836-7111 hallsfuneralhome@bellsouth.net Service OCT 21. 12:00 PM (CT) Halls Funeral Home 109 North Church Street Halls, TN 38040 (731) 836-7111 hallsfuneralhome@bellsouth.net
Halls Funeral Home
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