Dr. Tip C. Nelms, Jr. D.D.S.

Dr. Tip Carroll Nelms, D.D.S., M.Ed., age 93, died peacefully at his home on January 3, 2024.

He was born in Memphis, TN on December 8, 1930, son of the late Tip C. and Eugenia Nabors Nelms. He served his country in the U.S. Airforce.

Tip received his BS and M. Ed degrees from Memphis State. He received his D.D.S. from UT Dental School. In 1967, he was appointed Dean of the newly formed School of Dental Hygiene at UAMS. In 1971, he was named Dean of College of Health-Related Professions at UAMS. Tip retired Emeritus from UAMS in 1998.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Josephine Bolding Nelms, brother, Walter L. Nelms, Sr., and grandson, Joseph Parker Nelms.

He is survived by his sister, Joy Nelms, of Jackson, TN; four children, Walter Nelms (Carole) of Little Rock, Roy Nelms (Sharon) of Dallas, TX, Tip Nelms, III (Gail) of Maumelle, Lisa Nelms of Little Rock; five grandchildren, Staci Chuculate (Brian), Lauren Byers (Jeff), Karolyn Nelms, Kristen Bullock (Eric), Elizabeth Ayers (Mark), and five great-grandchildren.

Tip was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as all of his “academic offspring” at UAMS.

Tip was an avid collector, musician, rock “hound”, fisherman, and above all a Christian man.

The family is requesting that instead of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Visitation will be 11:00-12:00 pm on Saturday, January 13, followed by a Memorial Service at 12:00 pm at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.