Gary Benford Nelms

Gary Benford Nelms went to be with the Lord on August 18, 2021, at the age of 82.  He was born on February 21, 1939 in Dallas, Texas to his proud parents, Benford Noad Nelms and Doris Marie Honeycutt Nelms. 

He was married to the love of his life, Beverly Ann LeVier Nelms on June 1, 1963. A few years later, they were blessed to become foster parents to, Michael Lester Milstead.  Then on September 23, 1969, Beverly gave birth to a baby boy, Sean LaMonte Nelms. The boys grew up, got married, and started families of their own.  Gary and Beverly were married for 58 glorious years.  They resided in Garland, Texas for 52 of those years.  Gary dearly loved his family and was grateful for all the years he made memories with them.

Gary was a salesman for National Shirt Company for several  years.  He then went to work as a sales manager for Roper Luggage Company.  He developed great relationships with customers and made many friends along the way.  Gary was a hard worker and strived to always do his best.  If you had a question about anything or needed help, he was there to answer and lend a hand.

Gary had a great sense of humor and loved telling funny jokes.  He enjoyed woodworking and creating pieces for friends and family.  He was a member of the Dallas Woodturners and always looked forward to attending meetings to share the joy of woodcrafting.  Fishing with family and friends was a true pleasure, whether they caught fish or not.  It was the time spent together that mattered to him. Traveling on adventures with his wife, Beverly, was a favorite pastime of his. They traveled to many places by car, plane, train, or ship.  He took hundreds of pictures of the many places they visited.  He always loved sharing those memorable times with family and friends.

Gary is survived by his wife, Beverly Ann LeVier Nelms, son, Sean Nelms and wife Diana Nelms, son, Michael Milstead and wife, Nancy Milstead, brother, Ron Shaddox, granddaughter, Kailyn  Cantrell and husband, Colby Cantrell, granddaughter, Kaci Nelms, grandson, Nick Milstead and wife, Abbey Milstead, grandson, Marcus Milstead and wife, Lacy Milstead, great-grandson, Mason Milstead, nephew, Michael Shaddox, nephew, Kenneth Shaddox and wife, Melanie Shaddox, step-granddaughter, Bree Cunningham and husband, AJ and son, Christian Ramos, step-grandson, Brice Parmer and children, Ashtin, Aubrey, and Evan Parmer.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Benford Noad Nelms and Doris Marie Honeycutt Nelms, brother, Larry Nelms, stepbrother, Michael Nelms, and stepsister, Linda McElroy.

Gary would want everyone not to be sad about his passing, but to celebrate the life he lived.  He would want everyone to be happy, healthy, and enjoy every day to the fullest.  So smile and remember all the great memories you had of him and with him. 

At the request of the Nelms Family, Masks are required. Thank you for doing this out of respect for their family!