Thomas Willard Nelson

THOMAS WILLARD NELSON,  age 48 of Athens, Tenn. passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020, in Starr Regional Medical Center of Athens, Tenn. He was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, and preceded in death by Paternal Grandparents: Willard and Beulah Nelson, Maternal Grandfather: Jess H. Davis Jr.,  Mother-in-law: Deborah Webb Whittaker and Great-Aunt Flora Lee Fitch.  He was a graduate of McMinn County High School and Tennessee Technology University. Thomas was an employee of Volunteer Energy Cooperative, a former employee of DPA  and was a member of North Athens Baptist Church. He was a dedicated Assistant Scoutmaster for Cub Scout 177 and was a Girl Scout leader of Girl Scout Troop #40444 and was an Eagel Scout.  He served on many scout committees including Girl Scout Cookie Sales, Cub Scout  Popcorn Sales and many others.
Survivors: Wife of 23 years: Autumn Hughes Nelson of Athens, Tenn. Twin Daughter and Son: Rhiannon Marie Nelson and Riley Willard Nelson, Mother and Father: Carolyn and Larry Nelson of Decatur, Tenn. Sister and Brother-in-law: Amy Nelson and  John Garrigan of Madison, Ala and their children: Abi, Thomas and William and  Grandmother: Mary E. Davis, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law: Randy and Karen Hughes many other family members and friends. 
A private graveside service will be in McMinn Memory Gardens with Rev. Jimmy McCarter officiating.  Pallbearers will be Josh Dennis, Randy Hughes, David Baxter, Derrick Malone, David Pierce, Shaun Ryan and Matt Zemer.  A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to Cub Scout Pack 177 or Girl Scout Troop #40444 to Bowater Credit Union Attn Sherry Newman 1112 Congress Parkway Athens, TN 37303. Friends may come by at their convenience from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.  A video of the graveside service will be available Friday on the funeral home Facebook page. Condolences may be sent to www.laycock-hobbs.com/notices/Thomas-Nelson.  Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tn. in charge of arrangements.