Willie George Nelson Sr.

Willie George Nelson was born on December 21, 1930 in Butler, Alabama to the union of Thad and Susie Nelson. He departed this earthly life for eternity with Jesus Christ on June 10, 2026.

Willie was raised by his grandmother, Pernada Washington, and he came to Cincinnati at the age of 18. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age, and re-committed his life to Jesus Christ in his later adulthood. He worked in the field of construction.

In 1970, Willie married Idella and to this union, four children were born. Willie was the patriarch of the Nelson family. He lived for nearly a century—and during those decades: he raised his children, relished time with his family, and was an avid fisherman. He went fishing anytime and anywhere and he taught and nurtured a love for fishing in his kids and grandkids, as well. He also loved watching the Redlegs and “shoot-em-ups,” and playing Dominos and spades. Willie had an unwavering joy and gratitude for just life itself. He made us all smile.

Willie loved to sing, tell jokes and tell stories about his family and his youth. Most of us heard the story of how he could go to the movies AND get popcorn for a mere coin or two.

He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Because he was born during Jim Crow, it was a tremendous blessing to him to witness the election of the first Black president of the U.S.A.

Willie was endowed with grace from our Heavenly Father, as he didn’t follow any dietary rules, didn’t exercise, and was partial to pork products. The Good Lord kept him in good health into his 80’s. While in his 90’s, he was still fishing some, and up until a few short months ago, he was still able to grocery shop, cook, walk, and take care of himself.  Every morning before dawn, you’d hear him saying, “Thank you, Lord,” and praying to the Good Lord. Whether you knew him as Dad, Deh, Daddy, Granddaddy, Tubie, or Willie, he will be missed greatly and his legacy will live on through every Nelson offspring.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Dorothy, Vera, Sadie Lee and Ned, two beloved daughters: Claudia Williams and Terri Lynn Nelson, his longtime companion, Anna V. Givens, and cherished grandsons, granddaughter, and great great grandson.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory: his children: Daphne, Willie George, and Trina Nelson, and Amanda Pettis (Michael); his stepchildren: Gloria, Deborah, Gary Sr., Donnel, and James (Tara), his grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends.

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