Leslie Nelms Jr.

Leslie F. Nelms Jr. SUFFOLK - Leslie Frank Nelms Jr., 82, died June 22, 2009, in Autumn Care Nursing Home. Mr. Nelms was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, and raised in Nansemond County, Virginia. He was predeceased by his parents, Ida Harrell and Leslie F. Nelms Sr.; brother, Henley H. Nelms of Pennsylvania; and sister, Ruth Sykes of Suffolk. After a short tour of duty in the United States Army Air Force, he returned to Suffolk and finished his education at Suffolk High School. Leslie worked at Portsmouth Water Department for 43 years and retired as superintendent. He was a longtime member of the Izaak Walton League of America-Suffolk Nansemond Chapter, where he served in many offices and a member of the Knights of Pythians. He and his wife are longtime members of the Suffolk Christian Church. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Evelyn B. Nelms; son, Leslie F. Nelms III; daughter, Vicki Nelms Martin and son- in-law Kenny Martin; sisters, Edith Griffin of Hampton; sister-in-law, Bobbie H. Nelms of Lancaster, Pa.; brothers-in-law, Haywood W. Briggs and wife Annie, Herbert L. Briggs, all of Suffolk; many nieces and nephews. A funeral will be conducted Thursday at 1 p.m. at the graveside in Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery by the Rev. Michael D. Halley. The family will receive friends in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory today from 7 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Suffolk Christian Church, P.O. Box 1457, Suffolk, VA 23439 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 6315 N. Center Drive, Suite 233, Norfolk, VA 23502-4006. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbaker.com.