City leaders intend to designate an honorary street name within the community in honor of the late Dr. William Nelson.
The beloved local dentist and community servant passed away on Aug. 22, 2024 at the age of 75.
A public hearing will be held to consider placing the honor on Yazoo Street from the corner of Powell Street to Perry Street. The hearing will be held by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on June 9 at 2 p.m in the board room at City Hall.
Nelson was a 1967 graduate of St. Francis High School and a 1975 graduate of the Medical College of Virginia with a D.D.S. degree. He also attended Virginia State University after graduating from St. Francis High School.
Nelson also served as a captain in the United States Army and dentist from 1975-1978.
In December of 2005, Nelson was honored by Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck and State Senator Joseph Thomas with a resolution of appreciation for his civic contributions. Among the many boards and organizations he played a vital role include:
• Yazoo City Public Service Commission, board member and chairman
• Rust College board member and chairman
• St. Stephen United Methodist Church treasurer
• Mississippi Dental Society Board of Trustees and past president
• Board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Yazoo City
• Adopter of Woolfolk Elementary School
• Yazoo County Port Commission member
• Board member of the American Sons and Daughters Hospital Foundation
• Member of the Yazoo County Development District
• Treasurer of the St. Francis Alumni Association
• Avid supporter of the Oakes House Museum
• Chairman of the Head Start Health Advisory Committee
