Gilwan “Gil” Nelson, 45, of Centralia passed away day, December 8, 2020 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Gil grew up in Louisville, Kentucky where he discovered a love for basketball and football at a young age. He was an avid fan of the Louisville Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles, cheering them with his heart and soul. Basketball was a love Gil shared with his sons, making sure to offer his boys his undivided attention to teach them all he knew so they could see the basketball swoosh through the net. Basketball brought Gil to Southern Illinois and he became a faithful employee of Walgreen’s Distribution Center in Mt. Vernon in the early 2000’s. He quickly revealed his leadership qualities and strong work ethic to his employers and moved from an entry level position to management. Gil was an encourager who created a work environment that felt like his fellow employee’s second home. He treated each member of his team as his work family and loved each of them. He took his role as provider for his family very seriously and was so proud to work hard to give his family a good life, be it financially, physically, or spiritually. Gil had an infectious personality, never met a stranger, put everyone at ease, making them feel welcome, and truly could be labeled the life of the party. He loved to help others and treasured teaching moments for new fisherman, showing them his tricks for bringing a wow worthy bass fish to their lure. He was a master at the grill and was competitive with his grilling techniques amongst friends. Gil felt beyond blessed to be a husband and a father as his heart overflowed with love for his wife and children. His wife Misty was his happy place and he loved to shower her with love and attention. Gil could not have had a better partner in marriage. The couple were always supporting one another and making sure to have each other’s backs while raising their beautiful children. Their extended family and friends saw Gil and Misty as a phenomenal team. Gil’s children were true treasures to him and each child will continue to let Gil’s light shine through them. Lil’ Gil will be showing off his Dad’s moves on the basketball court. Jadon will show God’s love to everyone because of the example of humble servant his Dad lived. Sydney knows instinctively how to connect the family together by watching the way her Dad could unite others with a kind smile and words of inspiration. Gil may have gone to his heavenly home but the impact his life leaves will never go away. Just like his infectious personality, his legacy of supporting others, living each moment to the fullest, and loving his family with all he had will continue in the words and actions of all those he knew and loved.
Irvin Macz Funeral Home is privileged to be assisting the family of Gil Nelson with arrangements. A celebration of life graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Hillcrest Memorial Park with Pastor Seth Baltzell officiating. Memorials may be made in Gil’s honor to the Family Wishes. Online condolences and memories of Gil may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
He married the love of his life and best friend, Misty Anderson on April 26, 2014 in Centralia and she survives in Centralia. Along with his devoted wife, Misty Nelson, survivors that will hold on to memories of Gil’s life of loving kindness include his beloved family, children, Gilwan “Lil Gil” Lamont Nelson II, Jadon Joseph Nelson, and Sydney Grey Nelson; mother, Kim Huff of Louisville, KY; mothers-in-law, Esty Garland of Centralia, and Rebecca Anderson of Centralia; siblings, brothers, Israel (Heather) Fontanez of Centralia, Antwan (Brandy) Nelson of Louisville, KY, Joewan (Trish) Nelson of Louisville, KY, and Carlos Stone (Tamara Jones) of Louisville, KY; sister, LuQuisher Q. Nelson of Louisville, KY; nieces and nephews, in addition to Keira, Israel III, Antwan Jr., Braeden, JaQuan, Jakayla, Joseph, and Ki-hara, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and lifelong friend, Willie Ivory of Louisville, KY.
He was born on November 15, 1975 the son of Gilbert Nelson and Kim Huff in Louisville, KY. Gil was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Nelson; grandmother, Yvonne “GG” Nelson.
