William Christian “Chris” Nellis III, 74,  of Phoenix, Arizona, passed on May 17, 2020. 

Chris was a child of the baby boomer generation, born after WWII to William and Ellen Nellis on  May 8, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan. He was a dedicated individual with a passion for reading and animals. A true Hemingway Hero to the end, when the world knocked him down he always got back up, and never lost his integrity. 

Chris played sports throughout his youth, lettering in four sports his senior year in High School. He carried this passion with him his entire life, and enjoyed taking in baseball games. 

In 1965, Chris chose to put his college degree on hold to serve his country by joining the Vietnam war effort. During his two tours in Vietnam he served with the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion, securing the beach and later keeping An Khe pass open to ensure the 1st Cavalry Division success. He was medically discharged following injuries sustained in Vietnam. 

Following his military service, he became the first member of his family to graduate from college, graduating with honors. He married Cheryl McNeil in 1986, and together they raised 4 children. 

Chris is survived by his wife, Cheryl Nellis, four children, Mary Nellis, William Nellis IV, Joyce Ward, and Jeff McNeil, and eight grandchildren. His children remember him as a hard working and caring father who instilled a sense of duty to family and encouraged them to achieve their goals.

He is also survived by three sisters, Patricia Bennett, Carol Fuller and Romona Wenck, and a brother, Mark Nellis, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

A memorial is scheduled for 2:00 pm Saturday, May 23, at Best Funeral Services, 9380 W Peoria Ave, Peoria, AZ, with a reception to follow at the Nellis home. 

The memorial, led by Chaplain Franklin Montgomery, will include military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to our local Hospice at FamilyComfortHospice.org/foundation.