Henry Willie Nielson

Henry Willie Nielson, of North Richland Hills, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 4, 1939, to the late Henry and Margaret Nielson, he lived a life marked by entrepreneurial ventures and a profound dedication to his family.

After graduating from East High School in Denver in 1957, Henry met his future wife, Pat, and they married in 1959. His career journey took him from working on missile sites in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to managing his family's grocery store in Denver. In 1968, he returned to Fort Worth, working as an electrician and later earning his electrical engineer license. Henry founded a successful electrical and air conditioning business and ventured into ranching and meat market operations. Settling in North Richland Hills in 1973, he continued his work in the electrical field and discovered a passion for building. Ever resourceful Henry adapted during the housing recession, stepping away from building homes to become a maintenance supervisor of two hospitals.  He brought the same craftsmanship, problem-solving, and dedication to that role, always finding ways to provide and persevere. As soon as the economy allowed, he returned to the work he loved most: building homes that stood as a testament to his skill and dedication.

Henry was an avid adventurer who cherished family vacations. He traveled extensively, exploring historical sites across the United States in his beloved black Lincoln and later in an RV. These journeys often included visits to Civil War sites, plantations, and Presidents' homes. Family reunions with the grandkids in New Mexico were a particular joy, providing precious moments with his cousins and uncle. Known for his outgoing and friendly nature, Henry never met a stranger and enjoyed engaging with people from all walks of life.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pat; daughters Sandra Warnken (Jeffrey) of Austin, TX, Cynthia Allen (Michael) of Las Vegas, NV, and Patricia Gerard (Michael) of NRH, TX; grandchildren Ryan, Nicholas, Zachary, Matthew, Lyndsey, Cydne, Paiton, and step-granddaughter Britton; great-grandchildren Laiken, Renton, Taever, Jude, Sutton, and Grayson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His sister, Laverne Bland, and his parents predeceased him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens in the Commons of the BRIT Building on Saturday July 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM. This gathering to honor and remember Henry will take place in the building to the right of the entrance, not the main building. Henry's legacy of love, adventure, and community engagement will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.