Col. Charles Robert Nielsen (ret)

KINSTON - Colonel Nielsen died August 9, 2018 surrounded by his family. Bob was born December 11, 1930 in Stamford, CT to the late Charles and Alice S. Nielsen. His family moved to Kinston, NC when Bob was five years of age. Bob graduated from Grainger High School in 1950 and attended East Carolina University where he met the love of his life, Eva Sue Massey of Selma, NC. They married December 28, 1954. Bob joined the US Army where he began a long, distinguished career. Due to his passion for flight, Bob became a pilot in the military. He transitioned from active duty to the NCNG in 1965, and upon his complete retirement in 1995, he had risen from Second Lieutenant to Colonel. Prior to his retirement, he served many command positions, and was selected to serve two Adjutant Generals as their Inspector General. In the early 60s Bob established Proven Products, Inc., a building specialty supply and construction company. The company supplied many General Contractors throughout the state and he was most proud that upon his retirement the company continued to flourish. Bob was devoted to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, serving several times as vestry member as well as being selected Junior and Senior Warden. He was a many time delegate to the diocese annual convention. In addition, he was a past member of the Elks Lodge, Kinston evening Rotary Club, disaster chairman for the Lenoir County American Red Cross, past president of the Kinston Country Club and a member of the Order of the Daedalians, a fraternal and professional order of American pilots. Bob loved the coast, especially his home in Pine Knoll Shores and dining and dancing with friends at the Coral Bay Club. Family was a huge part of Bob's life and he loved his time with his daughters and granddaughters. His shared knowledge and meal time current events conversation will be a treasured memory. He will be remembered for his love for his family and friends, and his zest for life - a true southern gentleman. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Sue, of 58 years. He is survived by his two daughters, Kim Cummings (Kent) of Zebulon, and Cindi Smith (Seth) of Raleigh. He is also survived by his three beautiful granddaughters, Makena Riendeau (David) of Brooklyn, NY, Nielsen Smith of New Bern and Olivia Cummings of Brooklyn, NY. Also surviving are his two sisters, Jackie Brasher of Savannah, Ga. and Pam Ball (Joe) of Atlantic Beach, cherished nieces and nephews, and special friend, Peggy Marcus of Raleigh. A memorial service to celebrate his journey to paradise will be held Monday, August 13 at 2:30 pm at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 800 Rountree St., Kinston. The family will receive friends immediately following the ceremony at the Kinston Country Club, 1501 Country Club Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church, 920 Salter Path Rd., Salter Path, NC 28575 or the Lenoir County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1500 N. Queen St., Kinston, NC 28501. Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.