Jerry Edd Nelson

Jerry Nelson of Tyler, Texas passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026 at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House in Austin, Texas.

Jerry Nelson was born near Hughes Springs, Texas on February24,1941 to the late James (“Bunkum”) and Florence Nelson. He grew up on a farm outside Hughes Springs and graduated from Hughes Springs High School in 1959. He later attended Kilgore Junior College and North Texas State University.

Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Shari Newby Nelson. They met in the third grade, began dating in the eighth grade, and were married for over 65 years. Jerry is survived by his children, Scott Nelson and wife Susan, and Neisha Nelson Hootman and husband Joe; and his grandchildren, Shea Nelson, Stefanie Moffett, Samantha Smith, Samuel Hootman, Susannah Trunick, Sarah Hootman, and Rowan Hootman. He is also survived by his sister, Cathy Hartman, and his brother, John Nelson.

Jerry was a Certified Public Accountant who developed his own firm, Jerry Nelson and Associates. With the help of his team, he provided excellent accounting services to many construction companies in East Texas as well as numerous other businesses and individuals in the community. He served on the board of the East Texas Food Bank, the Tyler Historical Society, and Texas Bank and Trust.

Outside of work, Jerry enjoyed golfing, hunting, and watching sports. A high school quarterback, he later used his athletic skills on the Cascades Golf Course where his humor and camaraderie outpaced his handicap. He was a country boy who continued to return to family land in East Texas to deer hunt each year and to spend time at a little house he set up in the woods. He was drawn outdoors all his life, including in the last few years when his beloved dog gave him an excuse to walk trails and visit the dog park.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Baptist Church in Chandler, Texas on Friday, June 26 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the East Texas Food Bank in Jerry Nelson’s memory.