William F Nelson, Jr

William F. Nelson, Jr, CMSgt, USAF Retired

12/20/1930-08/26/2021

God called Bill, loving father, Poppop, and friend home on August 26, 2021.

Bill was born in Philadelphia, PA.  After graduating from West Catholic High School, Bill enlisted in the US Air Force, and his career began with a tour of duty at the Port of Manila.  There he met Cristina, the love of his life and soul mate.

Together Bill and Cris raised three wonderful children and traveled throughout the world during his 30 years of honorable active service in the USAF.  His career in the Air Force took him back to Clark Air Base, Philippines, twice, Kincheloe AFB, Michigan, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Anderson AFB, Guam, and finally Eglin AFB, Florida.

His favorite assignment was working in the F-15 SPO at Wright-Patterson AFB.  He was invited to the first roll out of the F-15.  It was truly an exciting experience for him to be a part of the development of this USAF fighter aircraft.

Bill retired from the USAF in 1981 and lived in Niceville, Florida, until he and Cris moved to Bob Hope Village in 2011.  There they enjoyed their neighbors and treasured the comradery of their friends.

Bill is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Cristina, his grandson, Daniel L. Burkett III, and his brothers:  Jack and Joe Nelson.

Bill is survived by his three loving children: Elizabeth Burkett (Daniel); William F. Nelson III (Sherri); and Rose Kasper (Alan); four grandchildren Amie Johnson (Trevor); Cara Smith (Trevor); Leslie Samardzija (Ned); and Jacquelyn Burkett; 6 great grandchildren Fitzgerald, Elle, Carter, Isla, Camden, and Cade.

Bill will be remembered playing golf with his early morning golfers, eating breakfast every week with his Bob Hope friends on Fridays and his Sunday church friends. Bill especially loved traveling,  visiting family for special events for his grandchildren and Christmas holidays.  Bill loved sports and was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan and Philadelphia Phillies fan and a Notre Dame Fighting Irish football fan.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bill’s memory to the Air Force Enlisted Village, 92 Sunset Lane, Shalimar, FL 32579 or to the University of San Diego (Daniel Burkett Memorial Scholarship), 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110.

God keep you in His loving arms and shine His perpetual light upon William/Father/Poppop/Friend.

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