Mr. Nelms was born in Franklin, Georgia on November 8, 1934, the son of the late Barbara Christine Daniel Nelms and Harvey Hugh Nelms. He was a faithful member of the Salem Church. On April 27, 1956 Mr. Nelms married the love of his life Ruby Jackson and they lived happily together for fifty-eight years. He served his country honorably in the United States Army in the European Theater in Germany following the Korean Conflict as a member of Company “C” Armed Infantry B.N. from 1955-1957.  

He then worked for almost ten years at the American Can Company in Newnan, Georgia. When a job with the Heard County Schools Maintenance Department became available Mr. Hugh jumped at the chance. This enable him to be with his family more, and serve the children of the county he so loved for thirty-three years. A pat on the back, or an encouraging word from “Mr. Hugh” meant the world to all of the children who loved and appreciated his hard work. He enjoyed working on his farm, especially in the hay fields. Planting and harvesting times were a highlight of his year. For many years he served as a handler for the Max Maxwell Auction Company in Carrollton, Georgia. Even though his work ethic left little time for frolicking, he had a love for fishing and enjoyed not only catching them but seeing them come to visit when he fed them. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him.
 

He is survived by his wife Ruby Nelms; one daughter, Eileen Harcrow (Neil); one son, Robert Nelms (Connie); grandchildren Johnathon Nelms (Jennifer) and Chancey Nelms; great-grandchildren, Aidan Nelms, Johnathon Nelms, II., Ashlyn and Alex Summerlin; step-grandchildren, Brandi Wilkins (Patrick), Johnny Harcrow, and Anthony Mashburn; nieces and nephews, Christa Lohr, Donald Nelms, and Keith Jackson, all of Franklin, Georgia.
 

Other than his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Donnie Nelms. and one great-granddaughter, Ava Grace Nelms.