William P. Nelson (Bill) passed April 3, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife, Meredith H. Nelson; his parents Howard and Mary Nelson; and brothers Edward and Thomas Nelson.
Bill is survived by their three children and families: son Edward Nelson, wife Beatriz; grandson Phillip, his wife Jessie and great-grand daughter, Ada Rose; and granddaughter Elizabeth Nelson. Also, daughter Nancy, husband Anthony Difede, and granddaughter Angela Difede and son Howard S. Nelson, IL; his brother Charles, brothers-in-law Harris and Robert Hardy and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill grew up in the hardwood lumber industry. His childhood stretched from logging in South America to working with his father at a veneer mill in Pascagoula, MS, where he met Meredith V. Hardy. They married in 1956 and attended Mississippi State University. After graduation in 1958, Bill was in the first class of the National Hardwood Lumber Assoc. and became a Certified Inspector in 1959. In 1965, Bill opened World Wood Co. in Houston, TX.
Bill and Meredith welcomed customers from around the world into their family home and passed on the love of travel to their children and grandchildren. World Wood acquired the Cove City kiln yard in 1979 and they moved the family home to New Bern in 1981. They were active in the historic district, civic theatre, and the YMCA.
In 1989, Bill, his nephew Stan, Nancy, Tony and Howard began Precision Moulding & Woodwork. Upon his retiring from World Wood in 2001, Bill took over running Precision until he retired again in 2019. His hands-on approach to a lifetime of sourcing, drying, milling, selling and shipping lumber created a worldwide network of friends and colleagues. Known for his larger than life personality and abundant energy, his stories of auctions, hunting for “such a deal” and interesting wood are legendary. His booming greeting, “Hello! What can I do for you?” will be missed.
The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the close family, friends and medical teams who helped Bill during his last few years. Their loving support made a world of difference.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to East Carolina YMCA.
Service and reception following were held April 20, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, New Bern.
