Gerald Henderson (Jerry) Nelson passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Gary Hayes, on December 27, 2021, where he had resided since August 24, 2021, following the death of his sweetheart and wife of 70 years, Pat. He was born in Cotton Valley, Louisiana, November 5, 1930, to Cewilla Gearrald and Sam Nelson, and reared in Shreveport by his mother and step-father, Alfred "Bud" Williams.

The youngest of three boys, the value of hard work was instilled in him at a very young age. He sold newspapers and worked after school at the grocery store in their West End neighborhood. Jerry was a 1947 graduate of Fair Park High School, where he was recognized as the Outstanding ROTC Cadet his Senior year.   After high school graduation, he was off to Baton Rouge and Louisiana State University, the first in his family to attend college. While at LSU, he was Commander of the Pershing Rifles and met the love of his life, Patricia Parker, at Alex Box Stadium. They were married January 27, 1951, and he graduated from LSU a few months later. He would continue to be a Tiger fan the rest of his life and made sure his children were, also. Geaux, Tigers!

Following graduation from LSU, the newlyweds moved to Long Island, NY, where Jerry was stationed in the Air Force during the Korean War. Their first daughter, Patricia, was born there. After Jerry's discharge from the military, they moved to Alexandria, LA, where their second daughter, Susan, was born. The following year, the family moved to Shreveport, where they were active members of Pinecroft Baptist Church, and later, Summer Grove Baptist Church.

Jerry was the ultimate "people person," which led to a career in sales, first in the insurance industry, and later, in automobile sales. He was also very involved in serving the community. He was elected to the Caddo Parish Police Jury in 1968 and served until 1972. Jerry also served on the Metropolitan Planning Commission from 1972-1974, and the Caddo Parish School Board from 1980-1988, serving as president three times. Jerry was a charter member of the South Shreveport Optimist Club and served as its president. He was especially proud of his membership and leadership in the Southern Hills Masonic Lodge and El Karubah Shrine for more than 50 years.

Jerry excelled in his role as daddy, granddaddy, and great-granddaddy. He spent countless hours coaching sports teams for his daughters, attending school events and piano recitals, and instilling in them self-confidence to work hard and aspire for great things. He loved his daughters unconditionally and set a great example for them. His grandsons were the lights of his life. He so enjoyed being granddaddy and being a part of their lives. His great-granddaughters were the icing on the cake of his later years. He lit up every time they entered the room. We all were blessed to have him in our lives. He was the best daddy ever!

He is predeceased by his beloved wife, parents, and brothers, James and Rex. He is survived by daughters, Patricia Hayes and husband Gary, Susan Shofner and husband Bobby; grandchildren, Ryan Williams (Clint), Shane Williams (Catie), and Michael Hayes (Abby); great-granddaughters, Sara, Lily, and Claire; Niece and Nephew, Cindy Nelson Welch (Mike) and Jeff Nelson (Sherry) and children, Justin, Sierra and Savanna.

Graveside services will be at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery Thursday, January 13, 2021 at 1pm, officiated by Rev. Wayne DuBose.  The family would like to give special thanks to Caregivers Lois Peyton, Ronnie Calhoun, Melanie Gates, and Peggy Williams, as well as Dr. Robert Hernandez (who made the mistake of telling him he was PERFECT), Laura Perkins, NP, and their nurses, Brooke, Christina, and Megan, for their incredible care of Jerry. Additional thanks to the staff of Lifepath Hospice, especially Brooke, Kaitlyn, and Kayla, who have taken great care of dad. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the C.E. Byrd Drama Department, 3201 Line Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104, or Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, 3100 Samford Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103.

SERVICES ARE PENDING DUE TO ILLNESS