William “Bill” Lowell Nelson, born on April 5, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully in Tyler, Texas on April 7, 2026. He was the son of Kermit and Lois Nelson and was named in honor of his uncle, William Lowell, who tragically lost his life in World War II at the young age of 18.

Bill was a proud 1968 graduate of Imperial High School. He pursued higher education at Ambassador College, where he excelled and took a year to serve in Ministry between his junior and senior years. He graduated in 1971. Following graduation, Bill dedicated five years to Ambassador College as the women’s varsity coach. Later, he transitioned to California, where he served as the head of security at California Mart in Los Angeles for three years. Returning to Big Sandy, Bill embarked on a career in law enforcement, graduating at the top of his class and serving the communities of Big Sandy and Tyler for 20 years. A devoted father, he welcomed his daughter, Misty, in 1985. In 2002, he embraced the role of grandfather. For the next 15 years, he worked in various security positions in the Tyler area until he joined the Intercontinental Church of God headquarters in 2015, where he remained until his passing.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Misty Dickerson of Gladewater; his three grandchildren, Zachriahy McDade, Raven Williamson, and Randy Dickerson; and his two great-grandchildren, Kopelynn and Miley Dickerson. His siblings Ken Nelson (Deborah) of Belmont, MS, and David (Ardis) Nelson of Letcher, SD; his sister, Rebekah Stanton (Ed) of Letcher, SD; and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Nelson; his father, Kermit Nelson; and his beloved Denise Harrington.

To celebrate and honor Bill's life, a visitation will be held at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater, Texas, on April 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM. This tender gathering will provide an opportunity for friends and family to share their stories and find solace together. Following the visitation, a graveside service will commence at 12:30 PM, at Gladewater Memorial Park —Gladewater, TX 75647—where loved ones will pay tribute to a man whose gentle spirit touched so many lives.