Nelson Douglas Rule's Obituary
Nelson Douglas Rule of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the age of 80. Nelson died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Nelson was born in Cutler, IL, on October 10, 1942. He was the youngest of 4 children. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Kipp; parents; Earl and Alice; brothers, James and Joel; and sister, Phyllis. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Nicole (Mike) McKinley of Washington, IL, and Garrison Rule of Wilmington, NC; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Nelson was raised in Cutler and went into the United States Navy following high school graduation. He served on the USS Essex and was later stationed at Naval Air Station Port Lyautey in Morocco. He was a member of the Fire & Rescue crash crew and played catcher on the U.S. Navy Mobile Seabees softball team. He then worked for Consolidation Coal Company and retired after nearly 30 years. In retirement, Nelson enjoyed spending time with his family and attended countless ball games for his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post #2504 and was active in the community, always volunteering to help. He had a deep love for his horses and enjoyed hunting with his bird dogs: Casey, Millie, Belle and Jazz. Nelson exuded a warmth that always made you feel comfortable. He will be deeply missed by all.
A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL, on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Jay Lowder and Brother Rob Mathis officiating. Interment will be held at Mueller Hill Cemetery in Pinckneyville, IL. Graveside military rites by Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post #2504 and the United States Navy.
Visitation will be at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL, on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Siteman Cancer Center.
What’s your fondest memory of Nelson Douglas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nelson Douglas?
Share a story where Nelson Douglas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nelson Douglas you’ll never forget.
How did Nelson Douglas make you smile?