April 16, 1954 – February 20, 2026
William Arnold Nelson, age 71 of Bryant, Alabama formerly of Franklin County, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at his residence. He was born on April 16, 1954, in Whitwell, Tennessee to Betty Jo (Kilgore) Nelson and the late Jerry William Nelson. Arnold retired after many years as a truck driver. He enjoyed being in the mountains with his german shepherds, playing guitar, and watching Gunsmoke or cheering on the Tennessee Vols. In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his wife, Angie Nelson; brother, Darrel Nelson; and brother-in-law, Drexal T. Holt. Arnold is survived by his mother, Betty Nelson; children, Heath (Misty) Nelson, Heather (Joe) Derryberry; grandchildren, Courtney (Jamie) Hill, Forrest (Ali) Derryberry, Asher Derryberry, Keegan Nelson, Keelie Nelson, P.J. (Satori) Hayes, and Angela Hayes; great-grandchildren, Aiden Ezra Hill and Addison Hayes; brother, Dennis (Susan) Nelson; sisters, Debbie (Jeff) Matthews, and Angela Holt; sister-in-law, Tina Nelson; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 12:00pm – 2:00pm at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home with funeral service following at 2:00pm from the chapel with Bro. David Sudhoff and Bro. Eddy Braddy officiating. Interment will follow in Cowan Montgomery Cemetery with Keegan Nelson, Forrest Derryberry, Jonah Holt, P.J. Hayes, Stephen Matthews, and Jeffrey Matthews all serving as pallbearers. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)967-2222, www.moorecortner.com
