Ronald Nelms

Ronald Calvin Nelms, 76 of Hempstead passed away on April 14, 2024. 

Ron was born in Longview, Texas to Calvin and Billie Nelms in 1948.  He graduated from Longview High School’s class of 1966. He entered the United States Navy and completed his training as an aviation electrician while attaining the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and was honorably discharged in 1973. He married his wife of 55 years, Barbara in 1968 and they had 3 daughters-Kristie, Lorie and Johanna.

He earned multiple degrees, including a B.S. in Math from the University of Texas at Arlington, Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin University, and Doctor of Philosophy from Texas A&M, with his thesis written about charter schools.   He started multiple charter schools over his extensive career, finally opening Calvin Nelms Charter School in 1999, which continues to educate students to this day.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Billie Nelms, and his brothers, Richard and Randy Nelms.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Nelms of Hempstead, TX, sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Roger Kulig of Sherman, TX, daughters and sons-in-law, Kristie and Sean Snell of Atascosita, TX, Lorie and Russell Faulk of Cypress TX, and Johanna and Will Schroeder of Brenham, TX.  He is survived by six grandchildren: Tyler Snell, Hayden Faulk, Haylee Faulk, Garrett Snell, Natalie Schroeder and Chase Schroeder.  He is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Cowboy Church of Brenham, 4440 Hwy 105, Brenham, Texas.

The Nelms family would like to request that in lieu of flowers all donations be sent to the Healing Insight Community Ranch via Carolyn Coleman @ccoleman57.

We would like to recognize Hospice Brazos Valley for their incredible assistance with the transition of our sweet Dad/husband.

An extra special thank you is given to Ms. Carolyn, Mr. Dave, Nisce, ‘Nette and Ms. Annie Mae for all the extra care and support they gave to make our father’s final days more comfortable. You all will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Finally, we would like to thank the Cowboy Church of Brenham for their assistance in helping us to memorialize our father. We could not have done it without the assistance of the church teams and leadership.