Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late Frank and Ora Nelle McKee Nelson. He was of the Church of God Faith . As a veteran of the US Navy he served on the USS Kitty Hawk in Vietnam. He was a member of the Rock N Roll Cruisers Car Club and was retired from Lloyd Roofing.

Surviving are three sons, Robby Nelson (Amy) of Ware Shoals, James Nelson (Heather), of Ware Shoals, and Donnie Nelson (Tiffany) of Wahalla; a daughter, Dwan Oliver (Lucas) of Salem, a step-son, Chad Covan of Ware Shoals, a brother Dave Nelson of McCormick and a sister Susan Morgan of Callison,  13 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two grandsons, Chandler Wood and Reid Nelson.

Memorial services will be held at  3 PM on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at Gethsemane Church with Rev. Mark Lowe officiating.

The family is at the home and will receive friends from 2 to 3 PM Sunday at the church prior to the service.  Memorials may be made to Gethsemane Church, 5010 US-25, Hodges, SC 29653. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com