Wendell Hobson Nelson

Wendell Hobson Nelson, age 71, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2022, at his home. He was born October 8, 1950, to Sidney and Gennieve Nelson. After graduating from Walton High School in 1970, Wendell proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He then began a career in law enforcement and was employed with the Florida Department of Corrections for 30 years. In February 2021, Wendell came out of retirement and worked in Beach Maintenance with the Walton County Board of County Commissioners; a job he greatly enjoyed. Wendell also loved the time he spent riding his tractor on his farm. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and having a good fish fry with friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his wife of twenty-three years, Kim Nelson; his parents, Sidney Nelson and Gennieve Redmon Nelson; and three brothers, Larry Nelson, Henry Nelson, and Terry Nelson.

Wendell is survived by his daughter, Vickie Poole; son, David Nelson (Kim); stepdaughter, Stephanie Ritter (B.J.); three brothers, Raymond Nelson (Joyce), Jerry Nelson (Jean), and Clarence Nelson; one sister, Gwyn Thomas (Truett); six grandchildren, Aaron Presley (Krystal), Brett Peterson (Amy), Warren Nelson, Kaitlyn Williams, Grayson Nelson, and Brenden Grimmer; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 23, 2022, beginning at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 Highway 83 N., DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433, with Minister Robert Lewis officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home.