1965-2024
Gilbert Kirk Nelson, age 59, of McGehee, Arkansas, passed away November 10, 2024 at UAMS. He was a longtime resident of McGehee, AR. He attended McGehee High School and continued his education at U of A at Little Rock, Memphis Baptist Hospital. Kirk began his career as a clinical neurophysiologist at Baptist Hospital after graduating college. Kirk held a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and Administration and an Associates, Degree in Clinical Medical and Administration.
Kirk worked at Baptist Hospital from 1986 to 1988 where he then joined the Department of Neurophysiologist at medical Arts Center at Semmes Murphy Clinic in Germantown, TN. Kirk was the department manager and developed the department staff developmental guidelines and department protocols. He served as president of the Quality Improvement and Resource Committee implanting a Patient Satisfaction Survey that was used to measure facility, dept. and staff analytics. Kirk joined the Neurology Associates, LLC in 1991 and was the supervising manager for diagnostic testing. Kirk was a leading member of the staff that set-up and opened the newly formed LLC Clinic. In 1992 he took the position of lead Tech Manager at UAMS in Little Rock, AR. He moved back to Arkansas to be closer to family. He assisted in the care of his mother, Carolyn J. Nelson, after she experienced a stroke. In 1993 Kirk began a position as Clinical Coordinator Manager for BMMC in North Little Rock, AR. He oversaw the daily functions of the Neurology Lab, Sleep Lab, and Non-Invasive Cardiac Lab. He also assisted in the Baptist Memorial Medical Otis development of OIR council, patient satisfaction, and Analytics Improvement. He served as Council President.
In December 2001 Kirk lost his father suddenly and began to limit his duties at BMMC. He assumed more responsibility at home with his mother and her disabilities following the severe stroke. Kirk and his sister Jamie moved in with their mother and rotated duties. Their mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer on January 19, 2002 and was sent home on hospice care for the duration. She passed along on January 31, 2002. Kirk left BMMC in January 2002. Kirk and Jamie stayed as roommates afterwards. He started a contract diagnostic testing company that went to physicians’ offices and performed Cardiac and Neurological outpatient testing. This kept Kirk busy for 2 years and helped with his loss of parents. In 2004 he relocated to West Memphis. Kirk worked part time as an Admin/ Med Clinical for Emergency Outpatient Clinics. He relocated back to McGehee, AR in 2007 with his sister and her 2 children. They started a new chapter in their lives. Kirk had a stroke in 2015 and was hospitalized for several months. After completing a physical rehab stay he managed to walk and talk without assistance.
Kirk lost his best friend, sister, and confident in 2018. Jamie died suddenly from heart problems that were recently diagnosed. After her death Kirk moved from Dermott, AR back to McGehee, AR. His brother-in-law passed in December 2019. Kirk petitioned and was granted full custody of his nephews. They began a new chapter and completed their Jr. and Sr. years and graduated with honors. Kirk was most proud of his nephews which he referred to as his parenting children. He was proud to tell that all three of them took care of each other.
Kirk is survived by his nephews Thomas Chase Hicks and Bradley Plummer Hicks. His cousin Roxanne Evans of McGehee, AR and several other cousins. Kirk had a large group of friends that he managed to correlate within his life. He never met a stranger, opened his home to many, helped anyone that needed help, and would give you his last dime if you needed it.
Proceeded in death by his parents Thomas E. Nelson and Carolyn Gilbert Nelson, sister Jamie Nelson- Hicks. His grandparents J.L. and Lillian Gilbert and R.E. and May Nelson.
A visitation will be held at 5-7 on Wednesday, November 13 at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service with a funeral service at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 14 at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at McGehee Cemetery.
