Tommy Wayne Nelson, 69, of Midland passed away Monday, Aug. 12, 2013 in Lubbock, Texas surrounded by his family. He was born on March 11, 1944 in Midland to Wayne and Ruth Nelson. Tommy attended Midland High in 1963 when he was drafted in the United States Army, where he served until July 31, 1966. Tommy met and married the love of his life also known as his Honey, Dorothy Jobe on December 26, 1964. The love Tommy had for her could light up a room. He was a member of the Singing Men of West Texas and was also the founding member of the Singing Nelson's. He worked for 16 years as a machinist, and a QA inspector for TRW Reda Pump. Tommy made his career at Ellis Funeral Home, working alongside Newnie for 25+ years. He graduated from St. Louis Community College in 2007. Tommy was a loyal member of First Baptist of Midland and Midland Downtown Lions Club. He was affectionately known as T-Pa to his grandchildren and P-Pa to his great grandchildren. Tommy was one of a kind and will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Nelson and grandson, Tanner Dixon White. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Dorothy Nelson; his daughters, JaNa and Tim White, Cheryl and Pat Stevens, and Rae Jean and Shawn Willis; his mother, Ruth Nelson; his sisters, Shirley Bragg, Sue and Ken Szelc, Barbara and Russell Conroy, and Naomi and Joe Bilyeu; his grandchildren, Kamber White, Bethany White, Jordan White, Madison White, Patrick Stevens, TJ Stevens and wife BriAnne, Justin Stevens, Ashley Stevens, Cory Street and wife Ashlynn, and Whitney Street; his great-grandchildren, Micah Stevens, Peyton Stevens, Stetson Stevens, and McCoy Stevens. He also leaves behind his family at Ellis Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013 between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013 at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary at the First Baptist Church, 2104 W. Louisiana Ave, Midland, Texas 79701, with interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
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Published in The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on August 14, 2013