Mr. John "Johnny" Caleb Nelms

Evans Funeral Home of Jefferson announces the death of Mr. John “Johnny” Caleb Nelms, age 80, Athens, Georgia, of the South Jackson Community, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Mr. Nelms was born in Athens, Georgia, a son to the late Major Guy Nelms and the late Lola Garrison Nelms. Mr. Nelms worked for Home Depot in the tool rental department, was a member of the Nicholson Baptist Church and was a veteran of the United States Navy. In addition to his parents, Mr. Nelms was preceded in death by his twin brother, James “Jimmy” Nelms Sr. and his sister, Helen Tanksley.

Survivors include his wife, Sara Stringer Nelms of Athens; daughter, Amy Nelms of Athens; son, Jay Nelms of Athens; grandchildren, Jordan Self-Nelms, Cameron Watt, Ethan Bailey, Jayci Nelms, Emily Bailey; sister, Joan Whitehead of Bishop also survives. 

The Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home with Reverend Russ Brown and Reverend Derry Oliver officiating. The burial will follow in the Crooked Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Gentlemen honored as pallbearers will be Doug Nelms, Michael Nelms, Jake Stringer, Andy Whitehead, Will Cofield and Jim Smith.

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Evans Funeral Home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to the Nicholson Baptist Church Children’s Department, 71 Church Street, Nicholson, Georgia 30565.

Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.  706-367-5467       

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

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