Keith Dean Nelms, 82, of Newport News, Virginia, sailed into glory to be with Jesus on March 24, 2024. How fitting he left this earth on Palm Sunday making his triumphant entry into heaven to meet his Maker. Keith was born on April 29, 1941, in Newport News, Virginia. He was a dedicated member of Grace Fellowship Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Leroy and Ella Fyfe Nelms, and his eldest brother James L. Nelms, Jr.  Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Irene Baker Nelms; his two daughters, Gwenn Green and her husband, Dan of Newport News, Virginia, and Rebecca Hughes and her husband, Justin of Yorktown, Virginia. Grandchildren include Patrick (Sierra) and William Green, Summer and Ella Hughes; his brother David (Doc) Nelms and his wife, Gale.

Keith loved spending special time together with family and friends and his door was always open. He never knew a stranger and would gladly give you the shirt off his back. Keith was a unique individual who touched many lives with his genuine love and concern for people. He enjoyed sailing, being outdoors, and had a great love for nature, birds, and all sorts of critters. Keith was an avid collector and was a firm believer that "one man's trash is another man's treasure." He also delighted in sharing his powerful testimony of being saved at sea and meeting Jesus during the Ash Wednesday storm on March 5, 1962, when he was 21 years old. Christ was the most important factor in his life. Keith was a man of many talents who held various occupations throughout his life. Among them were: working at the Newport News Shipyard, service manager at Volkswagen, Pastor, business owner of his painting company, and realtor. In addition, he was a volunteer Police Chaplain for the City of Poquoson.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM, at Grace Fellowship Church at 609 Aberdeen Road, Hampton, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send donations for missions to Grace Fellowship Church.