Billy Nester

Billy E. Nester, age 80, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 3, 2021 in Mansfield, Ohio. He was born the fifth of ten children on May 12, 1940 in Crites, West Virginia to parents Roy and Gertrude Nester.

He was a graduate of Man High School, class of 1958, and stayed in touch with many of his fellow Hillbillies throughout his life. After high school Billy served in both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force. On one of his visits home on leave, Billy met the love of his life Carol Belcher, and the two were married on August 3, 1961. The two shared 59 wonderful and loving years together, filled with many adventures and lots of laughter.

The couple were longtime residents of Groveport/Madison area, where they raised their two boys Tim and James. Billy was very involved in his children’s lives, and was even a longtime coach in the MDAA little league. He worked as an electrician supervisor for many years, started his own business, Ryan Controls, and ended his career with Central Ohio Welding. Later in life Billy was blessed with the title of “Papaw”, and he was the most devoted and loving grandfather and great-grandfather anyone could ever ask for.  He shared his love of sports with all his family- especially The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Billy loved to pass the time doing word puzzles, you could often find him at the kitchen table (no matter what time of day or night), putting together his latest jigsaw puzzle. One of his absolute favorite past times was visiting and eating fettucine at Little Italy’s in Groveport, where he was affectionately known as “Pops” by many who worked there.  And in true Nester fashion, Billy was an avid fisherman, a love that has been passed down through many generations. Throughout life he travelled all over the world and made friends with everyone he met, however his greatest joy in life was his family.

Billy is preceded in death by his son Tim Nester, siblings Doug Nester, Ruth Osborne, Linda Nester, Dreama Hockman, Helen Pugh, and Doran Nester.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife Carol Sue, son James (Jennifer) Nester of Mansfield, grandchildren Ashleigh (TR) Keen, Ryan (Amanda) Nester, Eric (Kara) Nester, Elizabeth and Dreama Nester, brother Donald (Arzella) Nester of Man, West Virginia, sisters  Brenda (Jim) Wentz of Ball Ground, Georgia, and Martha (Larry) Harmon of Pickerington, Ohio, 6 great grandchildren, daughter-in-law Sheralee Nester, many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly, as well as a host of many extended family members and friends.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Billy’s aide Rhonda, for the exceptional care she gave to Billy over the last year. We truly could not have gotten throughout this last year without her!

Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 11-1 pm at SHAW-DAVIS FUNERAL HOMES 4341 N High St. Columbus, Ohio 43214 where the service will follow at 1 pm with military honors. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available below his obituary.

In lieu of flowers please donate to ALS foundation at https://www.als.org/donate in his honor.