Mr. Willie James Nelson

Mr. Willie James Nelson, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024. Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513.

The son of Raymond and Jeanette Nelson, Willie James grew up in Tampa, Florida. He was born on July 19, 1948, and he attended Howard W. Blake Senior High School. He was a talented musician and his exceptional skills on the trumpet led to his selection for the coveted role of Band Captain of the Howard W. Blake Marching Yellow Jackets. In 1966, at the age of 18 years old, Willie James enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He valued this service highly and during his four years of service, he was the recipient of two service medals, including the National Defense Service Ribbon and the Armed Forces Conduct Medal. He was an accomplished musician and trumpeter for the U.S. Air Force Band, traveling the world to perform for diverse audiences and represent the country. In 1970, he was honorably discharged, and he joined a traveling band called Natural Gas, which later became the Funk Bunch. For a short time, he lived in New York and played with prominent musicians like David Ruffin of the Temptations. Later, he returned to Tampa and was employed by General Telephone & Electronics (GTE). He settled in Connecticut, and for over 18 years, he played outside the premier Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford, Connecticut. Once described as "Hartford's most famous 71-year-old street musician," he was later invited to perform with the Bushnell orchestra.

Willie James is preceded in death by: his father, Raymond Nelson; mother, Jeanette Nelson; and son, Darryl Shawn Wallace.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory: a devoted sister, Louise Lewis; sons, Davaelyn A. Hayes (Fiona) in St. Petersburg, FL, Ramon Nelson (LaToya) in Bloomington, IL, Desmond Nelson in Denver, Colorado and Quinton Nelson in Normal, IL; daughter-in-law, Tammie Wallace; grandchildren, Travion Wallace, Darryl Wallace, Jr., Azaryia Wallace, D'Shawn Wallace, Alexis Wallace, Damarion Smith, Zaniah Nelson, Ramon Nelson Jr., Dahmir Nelson, Davaelyn Hayes, Jr., Devin Hayes, Deshanti Hayes, Daeshia Hayes, and Quinton Nelson, Jr.; great-grandchildren, DeMario Thomas, Skylar Hayes, and Dalaeh Hayes; nephews and nieces, Johnie Lewis, Jr., Patricia Hordge, Gregory Lewis, Raymond Lewis, Vernon Lewis, Yvette Lewis, Alex Lewis, and Zulema Lewis; close friends, Jackie Lewis, Albert Chico Arenas, and Walter Crawford; and a host of loving extended family members and fans of his music.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to RAY WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

http://www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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