Edward Nelson

Edward E. Nelson, 68, of Greer went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 11, 2012. Born in Spartanburg County, Ed grew up in Lyman, SC. He was the son of the late Earl Nelson and Clara B. Nelson. Ed was a faithful husband, dedicated father, and loving grandfather. Ed is survived by his wife of almost 46 years, Louise, and two sons, Richard and his wife, Rene'; of Travelers Rest, and Steve and his wife, Deana of Greer. He also leaves behind five grandchildren who thought the world of him, Whitney, Reagan, Bethany, Breanne and Blake Edward. To his grandkids he was affectionately know as “Pappy”. They loved playing with their “Pappy” at his house and listening to his funny stories. Throughout his life, Ed was known for his leadership and his quick witted humor. He was loved by those he worked with at Homelite, Woodman of the World, GNC, BMG Music and Divatex. Ed served with the Greer Jaycees and in 1972 coordinated the annual Greer Christmas Parade. He was a committed coach of little league baseball and church basketball when his sons were actively playing. He played basketball with Homelite in the Southern Textile Tournament in mid 70’s. Ed served in the U.S. Army Reserves in the late 1960’s-early 1970’s. He also served as a volunteer fireman for the Lyman community in the 1960’s. Ed was a member of Riverside Baptist Church in Greer, SC where he was actively involved since its early years of formation. Ed served in the Bus ministry in the 1970’s at Riverside and also at Lyman First Baptist. At Riverside Baptist Church, Ed formerly served as the Chairman of the Deacons, served on various church committees, and taught the Friendship Sunday School Class for over 30 years until his recent declining health. Most of all, Ed was a Godly example of leadership at home and in the workplace. He will be missed by his family and all those who knew him. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at The Wood Mortuary in Greer, SC. The homegoing service will be Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at Riverside Baptist Church on Suber Road in Greer, SC, conducted by Rev. Marcus Buckley, Dr. Gary Rogers and Rev. Philip Whitt. Burial will follow in Wood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Robert Sanders, David Nelson, Jimmy Upton, Kenny Upton, Tim Rogers, Mike Whitener and Greg Childers. Honorary escorts will be the members of the Childers, Biggers and Vervaet families, all current and past members of the Friendship Sunday School Class, and all Riverside Baptist Church ushers. Other honorary escorts are Brenda Murray, Mary and Arthur Irby, Chuck Worthy and Rev. Sam Hammett. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Riverside Baptist Church Building Fund, 1249 S. Suber Road, Greer, SC 29651. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Edward Nelson

December 9, 1943 - March 11, 2012