Billy Carl Nelson

At the age of 91 he came to the end of the trail on Dec 23, 2025 in Salt Lake City Utah after living the kind of life he wanted. He lived life his way trying not hurt or say bad things about anyone.

He was born January 20, 1934 in Soda Springs Idaho. He married Zuida Ness on June 25, 1954 but later divorced. He then married Geraldine Edmunds on June 22, 1981, later joined together in the Jordan River Temple. Bill was raised by Edith Miller Nelson, Marcus Nelson (when he was young) and Arthur Nelson. At the age of 87, he successfully located his family, the Quintanas, through DNA. His grandsons’ wife, Traci Davis Nelson, played a key role in this discovery along with his newly discovered cousin Blythe Martinez Miller. Billy became Oncemio “Oney” Quintana’s oldest Son. He finally discovered his paternal family and felt a deep sense of gratitude and love for them. He had two Aunts, Josephine Quintana and Antonia Marie Pugmire, and an Uncle, Rubin Quintana, all of whom he cherished. He also had three sisters—Jean Romero, Pauline Newbry, and Shirley Quintana—who welcomed him with open arms. His Aunt and Uncle traveled to Utah to meet him, and in that moment, he truly felt like he belonged to a family. Bill shared five children with Zuida, loving each of them in his own heartfelt way. He was immensely proud of his family and what they meant to him.

He graduated from Granite High School in 1951. Served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War aboard a mine sweeper and the U.S. Army Reserve from 1955 to 1959. He was very proud that he serve his country. He was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1950.  He worked as an accountant from 1955 to 1961 and then installed carpet and vinyl flooring until he retired. After retirement he worked for Salt Lake County boys club helping troubled teens. He spent a lot of time at the South Salt Lake Senior Center with his friends. He also valued his friends in his community, and they played a crucial role in his care.

Dad had a great love of sports – played baseball, softball and was skilled at playing it along with football, he also enjoyed fishing and good movies. He was talented at sketching and a dedicated reader of Native American novels. He also appreciated a clean car and took care to keep all his vehicles in excellent condition. In his last days, he spent time with his cat, Lady Gray who he loved.

Dad was incredibly witty, always quick with a joke or pun in any conversation. Even in his final moments, when speaking became difficult, he still kept telling jokes. That was just his style!

Later in life he grew to love the Lord and tried to be a good member of the church.

Billy is survived by his children: Kevin Nelson, Kim Leavitt (Floyd), Kellie Piper (Kirby), Kory Limb, Kaylene Martinez (Leon), Grandchildren: Shanell Wilson, Rachel Leavitt, Amanda Martinez, Jared Nelson, Leland Leavitt, Erica Limb, Terra Heimuli, Joshua Limb, (grafted in) David Carr, and 19 Great Grandchildren. Sisters: Pauline Newbury CA, Shirley Quintana CA, his Uncle Ruben Quintana CA, Aunt Josephine Quintana CO and numerous cousins.

Billy is proceeded in death by his wife Geraldine Edmunds Nelson, Parents: Oncemio Quintana, Edith Nelson, Marcus Nelson, Arthur Nelson, 3 Brothers, 7 Sisters and Granddaughter Anne Elizabeth Leavitt.

A special thank you to the VA for taking such good care of my dad, and to his special friends and neighbors Dan, Joyce and Kathy that always helped him when family wasn’t available.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at later date in the spring.