Earl Ralph Nelson, Sr. Obituary (1939

Earl Ralph Nelson, Sr. was born on February 2, 1939 in Lunenburg County, Virginia to Willie Ralph Nelson and Claudia Mae Wilson. At an early age, Earl joined Blackwell Temple AME Zion Church Kenbridge, Virginia. He was educated in Lunenburg County School System. Earl worked as a farmer for Billy and Daisy Gee for over 20 years. Afterward, he was employed for Barnes Manufacturing Company until his health began to fail. Earl was joined in holy matrimony to Minnie Coleman and they were blessed with three children. Earl, who was affectionately known as "Bumblebee which was his CB Handle;" was also known as "Pop" and "Party-rock" for his Dancing. He was known for umpiring baseball games and would quickly throw you out of the game if you did not agree with his calls. Also, he was known for his beautiful gardens that you better not touch. He peaceful transitioned on May 17, 2021, at the age of 82, at Glenburnie Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Richmond, Virginia. Along with his parents, Earl was preceded in death by one brother, Wiley Nelson, and one sister, Erma Hargrove Earl leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Minnie; one son, Earl "Pee-wee" Nelson, Jr. (Tanga), and two daughters, Dorothy "Ann" Moore (Antonio) and Sallie "Denise" Nelson; seven grandchildren, Ja'Von Nelson, Jey'Kell Moore, Deshonda Hicks, Deshawn Hicks, Demetrius Nelson, Israel "RJ" Reavis, Jr., and Timothy Wright; fourteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Tina Nelson; five sisters-in-law, Elsie Banks and Stella Banks of Kenbridge, Virginia, Brenda Moseley, Mattie Grant (Joseph), and Doris Davis of Alberta, Virginia; one brother-in-law, William Coleman (Brenda) of Alberta, Virginia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many cherished friends, including Sonny Smith who was his riding buddy, the employees at "Uppy's" in Kenbridge, Virginia who spoiled him rotten, his devoted caregiver and sister-in-law, Stella Banks, a brother and sister in love Willie and Cherol Watkins, and a niece whom he affectionately called his "Road Dawg", Felecia Coleman. Graveside Service: Sunday, May 23, 2021 @ 1:00 P.M. at Grant Family Cemetery, 841 Chalk Level Road, Alberta, Virginia 23821; Reverend Dr. Vanessa E. Hicks, Eulogist