William Earl “Sonny” Nelms, 72

December 28, 1952 – January 15, 2025 

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Mr. William Earl Nelms, also known as Sonny, passed away peacefully at Northeast Mississippi Medical Center.

Funeral Services honoring the life of William will be held at 2 PM Friday, January 17, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Bradley Watson and Bro. Ralph Mays officiating. Visitation will be from 11 AM until 2 PM on Friday January 17, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Hebron Church Cemetery in Bolivar, TN.

William was born December 28, 1952, in Jackson, TN, to the late Frank and Fannie Doyle Nelms. A Christian, he was a logger and a farmer for fifty-four years.  His favorite Friday night ritual was to go to the American Legion, along with his wife, and dance to some old classic country music. Being a simple man, he enjoyed fishing, driving a truck, or planting a garden, but most of all, he loved his family.  He was a true friend and will be missed by everyone that knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish memories are his wife of seventeen years, Brenda Nelms, one daughter, Tiffany Murphy (Cody) of Ripley, six sons, Justin Moffitt (Cindy) of Ripley, Jason Nelms (Denise) and Shawn Nelms both of Saulsbury, TN, Kevin Nelms (Casey), Keith Nelms and Chris Herman, all of Middleton, TN, one sister, Sue Kirby, one brother, Calvin Nelms, and fifteen wonderful grandchildren, Korbin Burnett, McKayla and Kylie Deaton, Peyton Herman, Holdyn, Braxton and Alyna Moffitt, William Wayne, Jason Jr., Andrew, Waylon, Mason, Carson and Kaylie Nelms.

William is preceded in death by two sisters, Martha and Elizabeth Tillman, one brother James Nelms and his first wife, Deborah Nelms.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with William’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.