Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

Bradley University

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-McEwen Funeral Home & Cremation @ Myers Park

500 Providence Road

Charlotte, North Carolina

Thomas Nelson Obituary

Thomas Charles Nelson CHARLOTTE - Thomas Charles Nelson, 63, of Charlotte passed away on October 29, 2013. Mr. Nelson was born on April 13, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois to George and Lois Nelson. He spent his youth in Oak Park, Illinois, graduating from Oak Park-River Forest High School in 1967. He then graduated from Bradley University in 1972 before beginning a long career in the construction industry. Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to his beloved Elizabeth (Liz) Martinez of Gary, Indiana on June 5, 1976. They soon moved to Charlotte with their son Anthony, where Mr. Nelson spent many years with the J.A. Jones Company, visiting over 30 countries on international projects. The last few years of his career were spent with Turner Construction. For decades, the Nelson household entertained many, sharing joy and laughter with friends and family alike. Despite spending most of his adult life in Charlotte, Mr. Nelson remained a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan. He is survived by his brother, Richard C. Nelson (Barbara) of Raleigh, North Carolina; his sister, Janet A. Nelson (Jeff Gregg) of Tallahassee, Florida; and his son, Anthony Nelson of Charlotte. He is well-remembered by his nieces and nephews, Scott Nelson, Kate Nelson, Erin Gregg Bailey and Brian Gregg. He was pre-deceased by his parents, George and Lois Nelson, as well as his wife, Liz. Late in life he found comfort and joy sharing his life with Monnie Smith, and his many friends who gave him great support and love. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1st at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte. The Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 2nd at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Salvation Army, PO Box 241506, Charlotte, NC 28224 or the USO. Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Oct. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Nelson

25 Entries

Carol

November 24, 2014

Tom, its hard to believe a year has come and gone. Monnie and I miss you each and every dsy! I think of you often and my flowers were so pretty this year that I kept from your house. I put them inside for next year in rememberance of you. I love you and not a day goes by that I miss my best friend! I love you Thomas!

Greg Moore

July 8, 2014

I learned only today of Tom's passing and was deeply saddened to learn that he is gone. Although I had not seen him since transferring from Bradley University to Wisconsin many years ago, I had always imagined finally attending a Sigma Nu reunion where I could reunite with Tom. He was my great roommate and friend; funny, bright, thoughtful and wonderfully just off kilter. Seeing Greg's and Jonesie's comments in this book remind me of the special friendships forged during college years and the great memories that last a lifetime. I express my most sincere condolences to his family and dear friends, who I know must miss him greatly. Farewell, until our paths cross again, my friend.

Ray Reel

March 3, 2014

I also just learned of Tom's passing. He was the best. Heartfelt condolences to his family.

Ted Boyer

March 3, 2014

I just learned of Tom's passing. Tom was one of the true good guys and I will remember fondly our time together at JAJ. My deepest condolences to Tom's family for your loss.

Meg Thompson

November 3, 2013

We have many great memories and are gratetful to have known Tom, his sweet Liz, Tony, Rick, Janet and Monnie.
Many friendships were formed through Tom's generous spirit in opening his home to others.
Love, Bernie and Meg

November 1, 2013

Lots of wonderful memories of great times with Tom, his family and friends. Sigma Nu, Oak Park, Richton Park, Sox games, Charlotte and the mountain house. Rest in PEACE our GOOD FRIEND.

T & Kim, Homewood, IL

Janet Paraggio

November 1, 2013

40 years of a loving friendship. I will seek you in my dreams. My deepest sympathy to all who loved him. Janet Paraggio-Rivera.

November 1, 2013

The Nelson Family & Friends

When I come to the end of the day

When I come to the end of the day
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love we once shared ---
Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a port of the Maker's plan,
A step on the road to home,
When you are lonely and sick at heart.
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deed----
Miss me, but let me go.

This reminded me so much of Tom. Tom, Elizabeth, Don & I were neighbors, friends, adventurers, building Mtn. House for over 35 years. I have so many fond memories of Tom, especially staying up all night & watching the sun come up. I have lost a true friend. He will always have a special place in my heart!

Donna Hinson (N. Myrtle Beach, SC)

Patti Covington

November 1, 2013

God has called home a beautiful soul. I befriended Tom early in the '80's through my first job, and spent many hours of fun and fellowship in what we affectionately referred to as the "Nelsonic Lodge" (Tom + Liz's basement). Tom was such an insightful observer of the human condition and could make the funniest commentary on a situation, always in his kind-hearted way. He loved his family so much and was so proud of the young man that Tony has become. I'll never forget those good times & friendship - I feel so blessed to have been part of Tom's life. To Tony and all the Nelson family: may God carry you through these difficult days, you are very much in my thoughts and prayers.

Carol Shackelford

November 1, 2013

Tom,
You were my best friend! You will be so deeply missed. I will miss all the times we just sat outside and talked about anything and everything. Our trips to the restaurants, stores, our weekly phone calls just to say hello, and our special annual trips to the flower shop to pick out plants for the Spring. You were such an awesome and special person. Your generosity and kindness you have shown to others, they will be forever indebted to you. My candle for you will forever be lit in my heart. I Love You! Carol

Jim Southard

November 1, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you Tom and family. Many hours at the basement bar with the MOT sign behind, lots of philosophical, more nonsensical discussions with Pete and Monty in attendance and always the Sox game on without fail...
No kinder and generous person known than Tom.
I will miss you my friend,
Jim Southard

Linda Blain

November 1, 2013

My thoughts are with Tom's family during this very difficult time. Take comfort in remembering the good times.

Carol Shackelford

October 31, 2013

Tom, you were my best friend and truly a wonderful person inside and out. I'm going to miss our phone calls, sitting outside and just talking about anything and everything. The trips to the stores, restaurants and making our annual trip every Spring to get the perfect plants to decorate your yard. We had some great times together and there is not enough pages to express how special of a man you were. I was so blessed to have had you in my life and each and every day you will always be in my heart and this candle will always be lit. The Lord has a good one! Thanks Tom, for all my wonderful memories. I Love You! Carol

October 31, 2013

My cousin has gone on to a better place and left me with all those memoriies of summers on the beach in Longboat Key...Love Colleen

Eric Stenstrom

October 31, 2013

Tom hired me into J.A. Jones in 1978, he was a great boss, mentor and friend, and to this day I still use many of the skills he taught over the years. We had a great time working hard a J.A. Jones over the years, and the parties at Tom's home were memorable, as well. He was a nice guy, and very smart - always thinking, always considering the angles to see if there was a better way to skin the cat of the moment. I'm sorry that he is gone but comforted to know that he is beyond his eartly struggles now.

Jan Chapman

October 31, 2013

My throughts and prayers are with Tom's familiy. I worked with Tom for many years at J.A. Jones and I remember him fondly. He was a very special man.

Jim Cotton

October 31, 2013

While I did not work directly with Tom, I remember his positive attitude and sincerity in our various business relationship. That type of character will be missed
Jim Cotton

Brian & Jonna Roy

October 31, 2013

Our hearts and prayers are with your family.

Frank Fuss

October 31, 2013

With deepest sympathy for the loss of such a great man and friend. As a long time friend and an employee of JAJones, I so enjoyed working with him. He will be greatly missed by so many people. Though I am saddened by the loss, I am glad he is no longer suffering and is in no more pain.

Linda Stowe

October 31, 2013

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

October 31, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to Tom's family.
With deepest sympathy,

Betty Barnes-Byrd
Clover, SC

Greg & Linda Ganster

October 31, 2013

An old friend from Bradley University and Oak Park. Lots of good memories of Tom and the Nelson family. Sympathy and regards to Janet and Rick.

Ede Graves

October 30, 2013

Tom was one of my favorite people at J.A. Jones. I'm so glad he's no longer going through the pain. What a gentle man to be such a fighter! I will miss him.

Marie & Scott Ledford

October 30, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and Monnie at this time. Though our hearts are saddened, we are eternally grateful for having the pleasure of knowing Tom and enjoying his friendship for many years.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results