JAMES RALPH NELSON

James Ralph Nelson

Age 70

Of Athens

Passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2019

At Parkwest Hospital in Knoxville

A native of Harriman, he was a former resident of Bradley County before moving to McMinn County over 46 years ago. Ralph was the son of the late Henry Jackson and Ruby Stegall Nelson and was preceded in death by three sisters, Barbara Rayburn, Carolyn Hysinger, Sherry Huffaker.  He was a member of Mt. Verd Baptist Church having served on the deacon board for over 39 years and also served as chairman for several years. He was a maintenance foreman in the textile industry.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years,

   Catina “Tina” Kathryn Mull Nelson of Athens

One daughter and son-in-law,

   Kathy and Jeff Jones of Sweetwater

One son and daughter-in-law,

   Scott and Lisa Nelson of Athens

Four grandchildren: Taylor Moses and husband, Trey, Chloe Johnson, Jordan Nelson and fiancé, John Dobbs and Graham Johnson

Three great grandchildren: Jameson, Tucker and Paisleigh

Three brothers and three sisters-in-law,

   Virgil and Barbara Nelson of Cleveland

   Danny and Linda Nelson of Cleveland

   Gary and Sharon Nelson of Cleveland

One sister and brother-in-law,

   Linda and Ronnie Ball of Cleveland

Funeral services will be 7 pm Friday at Mt. Verd Baptist Church with the Rev. Donnie Dalton officiating.  Burial will be 2:30 pm Saturday Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery in Cleveland.

Pallbearers will be Trey Moses, Jeff Jones, Graham Johnson, Scott Sliger, Greg Smith, and Wayne Jarvis. Honorary pallbearer will be Avery Ross.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Friday at Mt. Verd Baptist Church.

If you are unable to attend the visitation or service, sign the guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of James Ralph Nelson.