Alton Chris Nelms

Chris Nelms was born Alton Chris Nelms on July 13, 1953 to Lillie B. Nelms and Alton Nelms. Chris was born in Pittsburgh, Texas but his parents moved their growing family to Cincinnati, Ohio when Chris was 11 months old. Chris displayed leadership skills early in life. Even though he was the fourth of ten siblings, he thought he was the oldest. He kept his siblings "in check", making sure that they did their chores and "did them right".

Chris developed a love for baseball in his early teens, and displayed excellent skills in the sport. Chris at-tended Taft High School. Because of his superior baseball skills was sought after by many college scouts. He graduated from Taft in 1971 and received a baseball scholarship to Central State University, where he became team captain. He graduated from Central State University (and later was inducted into their Hall of Fame). He was immediately drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. He played on the Reds Farm Team, based in Florida, for 4 years. After leaving the Reds, Chris continued his association with the team serving as a Chaplain and a member of the Reds Community Fund. After leaving the Reds, Chris served in the military for 8 years.

Chris was a member of the school of lifelong learn-ing. Holding a Doctorate and Masters in Education, Licensed Social Worker, Drug Counselor, Certified Sports Counselor, Athletic Administrator, College Professor, and Ordained Minister just to name a few of his educational pursuits.


Chris always considered himself a community serv-ant. He fulfilled his service mission as a member of the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, NAACP, Avondale Community Council, Cincinnati Recreation Commission, UMADAOP, and The People of Color Wellness Alliance (POCWA). He also directed and managed two branch YMCAs and served 3 terms with the Cincinnati School Board. Chris was em-ployed by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center for 13 years, where he served as an Outreach Educator.

Chris was a man of strong faith. In his youth church attendance was expected. He gave his life to Christ with the baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1991. From that time on Chris was spiritually pruned and developed for Kingdom service. One of his favorite scriptures, James 4:8 – "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you" were words he lived by.

Chris leaves behind to cherish his memory his parents Alton and Lillie B. Nelms; his children: Norris Nelms, Chris Nelms, Marcus Nelms, Geneva (Kenny) Riley, Phylicia Myers, Tiffany (Albert) Sesay, and Jabryel Reed.

His devoted wife of 12 years, Terry, mourns his loss. He was preceded in death by his brother Danny Nelms and his sister Belinda Nelms.

Also left to cherish his memory are his loving siblings: Jackie Nelms, Mike Nelms, Steven Nelms, Wander Nelms, Teddy (Henrietta) Nelms, Francine Nelms, and Lorenzo Nelms. Chris leaves a host of nieces, neph-ews, and grandchildren to mourn his loss.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 25, 2017 from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 12 noon at Landmark Baptist Church, 1600 Glendale Milford Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215. Burial to follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.


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