Ronald Nelms

Ronald Oran Nelms, 85 years of age, of Oakboro, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Stanly Manor in Albemarle.

Ron was born May 15, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Fred Thomas Nelms and Reba Gertrude Ellis Nelms.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in the fellowship hall, 322 N. Main St., Oakboro. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm in the church sanctuary, officiated by Dr. Terrell Watts. The burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Rd., Charlotte. Military honors will be conducted by the North Carolina National Guard Honor Guard. At other times, the family will be gathering at the home.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 1/2 years, Mary Ellen Shaw Nelms of the home; three children, David Nelms and wife Shelly of Monroe, Karen Blakely and husband Hunter of Locust, and Greg Nelms and wife Judy of Midland; six grandchildren, Jason Blakely and wife Katie, Nick Blakely and wife Danielle, Laura Huntley and husband Brent, Catherine Massey and husband Banks, Jessica Nelms, and Patrick Nelms; and four great-grandchildren, Kayla, Kelsey, Rylee, and Cash.

Ron was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He honorably served his country in the United States Army as a commissioned officer during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Ron worked in scientific and medical sales for Beckman Instruments, and retired from Hayes Fluid Controls. He also enjoyed working at the Board of Elections and Morehead Campground at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Ron was a faithful member of Oakboro First Baptist Church. He served as a life long Deacon in his church.

Memorials may be made to Community Home Care and Hospice, 1024 Albemarle Road, Suite 904, Troy, NC 27371.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Nelms family.