Obituary of William Harold Nelms

Dr. William Harold Nelms died on May 2, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, with his family by his side.  Born in Gilmer, Texas, on December 20, 1928, he was the son of Marshall and Juanita Nelms.  He was a graduate of Gilmer High School, the University of Texas in Austin and earned the Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston in 1956. Later, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Herman Hospital in Houston.

Dr. Nelms is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ailsa Galvin Nelms; his daughters Kathryn Rose (Dennis) of Fort Worth, Lisa Nelms of Somerset, Virginia, and Carol Dawson (Brian) of Arlington, Texas; his grandchildren David and Rachel Dawson.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Phillip Nelms.

Dr. Nelms practiced medicine in Lake Jackson, Texas, for over 42 years.  He was a member of the staff of Brazosport Memorial Hospital and after closing his private practice, he headed the hospital’s rehab unit and then the nuclear cardiology program.  Dr. Nelms was dedicated to the care of his patients and a well-respected and active member of the community.

In retirement, Ailsa and Bill moved to Cayman Brac in the Cayman Islands, where they have made their home for over two decades.  Avid travelers, their most recent journey was to Australia late last year.

Bill loved music and was an accomplished pianist.  Just name a song, and he could play it.  As a craftsman skilled at working with his hands, he could make or fix just about anything, and he was interested in everything. He was a true Renaissance man who will be missed by his family and many friends.