Our beloved, Cleon “Dolly” Taylor Nettles, passed away Oct. 29, 2023, in Boerne, at the age of 85. He was born July 3, 1938, in Taylor, the son of Gus Gardner Nettles and Mary Ruth Norris Nettles.
His early life was filled with classic, small-town adventures, capers and happenings that created bonds of friendships that would last a lifetime. Cleon was a wonderful dancer, never having trouble finding a partner. Cleon always cherished the year he spent in Port Isabel, with his aunt Margaret and uncle Bud. After graduating from Taylor High School in 1956-1957, he spent two years at the University of Texas. He then embarked on a career with Jack T. Holmes & Associates, Inc., an advertising agency in Ft. Worth. His successful career in advertising and broadcasting sales included positions at radio stations such as KXOL and WBAP.
Cleon’s personal life was equally remarkable. He and his wife, Beverly, shared nearly 40 years of life together, living in various places, including Ft. Worth, Beaumont, Lake Charles, Louisiana, and finally settling in Boerne.
Cleon had a zest for life that was infectious. He had a passion for golf and a love of all sports. Cleon started as a caddie at the Taylor Country Club at age 14 for Gillis Conley, and was an avid golfer his entire life. His love of golf passed on to great nephew Justin Hammack, who started out at the same Mustang Creek Golf course in Taylor 67 years after Cleon.
He also had a deep affection for animals and enjoyed growing prize tomatoes in his garden. His love for these activities and the pleasures of life brought people together and created lasting memories.
Above all, Cleon was a kind, caring and generous husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. His vibrant personality, love of life’s many pleasures and his genuine affection for those around him left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate to know him. Cleon will be dearly missed but forever remembered with warmth and affection in the hearts of those who loved him.
Cleon was preceded in death by his wife of almost 40 years, Beverly Ann Ballem Nettles; his parents, Gus Gardner Nettles and Mary Ruth Norris Nettles; his brother, Sam Alan Nettles; his aunt, Margaret Angeline Norris Trump; his uncle, George “Bud” Trump; and his niece, Nancy Jane Nettles Biggs.
Cleon is survived by his son, Dr. Christopher Derrick Nettles of Cobb, California; his stepdaughters, Lori Neal Hodge (Tommy Van Winkle) of Bergheim and Karen Kay Neal (Cooper Collins) of Ft. Worth; his granddaughter, Alexandra Ann Rodriguez (Joseph); his great-granddaughter, Charlie Ann Rodriguez of Boerne; his sister, Mary Jane Nettles Hammack (Robert) of Taylor; his niece, Molly Hammack Pantalone (John) of Taylor; his nephews, Mark Alan Nettles (Juliette) of Georgetown, Michael Hammack (Kimberly) of Taylor, Matt Hammack (Jennifer) of New Tripoli, Pennsylvania; and many great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his name to PGA Hope. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the staff of Holt & Holt Funeral Home of Boerne. To share words of comfort with the family, please visit www. holtfh.com.
