Arvie Benjamin “Bill” Nelms

Arvie Benjamin “Bill” Nelms passed away February 16, 2015 at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife, Sara White Nelms, and daughters, Susan Nelms Cafasso and husband Neil, and Elizabeth Nelms Hawes and husband Sam. He is also survived by his sister, Patsy Starling Wheeler and husband Ronnie, and brother-in-law Kenneth Thomas White and wife Bonnie. Bill was “Pop” to three grandchildren, Kristin Elizabeth Moorefield, Benjamin Bain Hawes, and Elijah Malloy Hawes, and one great-grandchild, Addison Paige Shook. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Bill was born on June 8, 1936 in Rocky Mount, NC and was preceded in death by his father, William Arvie Nelms, and his mother and stepfather, Lillie Mae and Thomas Clapp Rowland. He graduated from Rocky Mount High School where he was head cheerleader for the “56 Blackbirds”. Bill attended Atlantic Christian College and worked as a radio broadcaster for WRMT. After leaving broadcasting, he was self-employed until retirement. Bill was known for his booming voice and narrated numerous dramatic productions. He had a passion for acting and one of his greatest accomplishments was “The Christian Characters”, a youth drama team he started and led at First Baptist Church. Bill was an avid golfer, and enjoyed his senior group at Birchwood Country Club. He was an active member of First Baptist Church for over fifty years, serving in many capacities. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 200 South Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Bill Grisham and Rev. Larry Curtis officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in Louisburg, NC. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 200 South Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Paul Walker, Geoff Stroud, and Teresa Parent and the staff of Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center in Greenville, NC for their care and kindness. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount) 200 S. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-9113 --> | Saturday 2/21, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Service First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount) 200 S. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-9113 --> | Saturday 2/21, 1:00 pm Cemetery