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William Nelson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Nelson
Dorothy Drinkard-Hawkshawe
May 19, 2020
Dr. William Edward Nelson, Jr. was a great friend, professor, and community leader. His contributions to society will have an everlasting effect. His greatness will be remembered in many ways, including his contributions to education, community service, and world peace. He will always be appreciated for great reasons, including his co-authorship of the important book on Black and Latino/a Politics. We thank him for making this a better world by demonstrating love, peace, and appreciation for the contributions of all people.
Mitchell Rice
May 15, 2019
Nick: You were a great friend and You are sorely missed!!
Ivan Louis Cotman
September 23, 2013
Della and family: Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of our dear Bro. Nick Nelson. We were classmates in graduate school at Clark-Atlanta and life-long fraternity brothers. I have several of his books and will never forget him.
Sharon Hawkshawe
June 30, 2013
To the family of Dr. William E. Nelson:
Please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss. Dr. Nelson was an outstanding scholar, educator, administrator, community supporter, social and political reformer, and friend.
His positive impact on society and on those who knew him will be everlasting. Among his many permanent contributions are his scholarly publications. Our company, Barnhardt & Ashe, is proud to have published Black and Latino/a Politics..., a 2005 book that will continue to enhance human relations in the United States.
May Dr. Nelson rest in peace and God's blessings be with his family and friends during this time of sorrow.
Sharon Hawkshawe,
Vice President
Barnhardt & Ashe Publishing
James Mayes
June 12, 2013
Very few have given as much as Dr. Nelson. He has et an example for me. God's speed Brother Nelson...we will fight on!
Carolyn King-Stephens
June 7, 2013
To the Family of Dr. Nick Nelson,
I met your father when I was a child. He, Della and my parents were very close friends in Columbus, Ohio. When we moved to Atlanta, we still visited every time that were in Columbus. I thank God for those visits because they were moments that encouraged me to be the woman that I am today. Nick and Della always "spoke life and success" into my future. Thank you for the love.
-Dr. Carolyn King-Stephens and Family
Derrick Lightfoot, B.A., M.C.R.P., M.A., A.I.C.P.
June 6, 2013
Rest in Peace Dr. Nelson. It was with your help and guidance that I earned a BA in 1973 majoring in Urban Politics from The Ohio State University.
Mark Christian
June 5, 2013
I am already missing my mentor of 23+ years. My heart goes out to Della, Nick Jr. and his family, and the Nelson relatives of which there are too many to name. Dr. Nelson was a great man, a great scholar-activist, and his presence will be greatly missed. But knowing him as I did, he'll be around us all in spirit!
Long live his memory and contributions.
Sincerely
Mark Christian
June 5, 2013
Nick and I were friends for many years. I will miss him!!!
Mitchell Rice---Texas
Trevor Brown
June 3, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family. Dr. Nelson was a graduate school professor of mine in the Dept. of African/African-American Studies. You will be missed. Enjoy the afterlife.
Rev. & Mrs. Bryant Swearengen
June 2, 2013
Rest in perfect peace Big Brother. I will cherish your memory forever. May your legacy continue to be an inspiration for all.
Sumner Carter
May 29, 2013
My condolences to Dr. Nelsons family. Dr. Nelson was a great man and scholar. His legacy shall endure. God bless.
May 29, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family of Nick. Nick hired me to teach in the Department of Black Studies and learned a great deal from my association with him. I now live in Africa but I still have great memories of Nick.
Frank M. Chiteji
Rosie Nucklos Doughty, Ph.D
May 27, 2013
Della, thank you for sharing your husband with us. I remember the pain and joys that led to the birth and development of Black Studies at the Ohio State University. We are forever grateful to Drs Ross, Hale and Nelson. In particular I remember Nick Nelson's unique contributions to the radio program, Black Thought, his focus on the intellectual/academic side and his trail-blazing efforts in helping so many of us to attain a strong and respected Ph.D from The Ohio State University .
Samuel Moseley, Ph.D.
May 26, 2013
Mrs. Nelson and Nicky, I planned to be with you yesterday in order to convey my deepest sympathy, but unfortunately, I was not able to attend the memorial because a family member became ill. I am therefore compelled to let you know that we share in your tremendous loss and pray that God will continue to sustain you during your bereavement. I thank you for sharing your husband and father with me and countless others who had the privilege of studying under this pioneer in the fields of Political Science and Black Studies. His endless contributions, fortunately, were acknowledged throughout his groundbreaking career and I am thankful that he lived to smell his roses and witness the fruits of the seeds he planted in each of us.
Personally, Dr. Nelson was without a doubt the most influential person throughout my academic career. His commitment to recruiting and graduating students from OSU is legendary. He was my dissertation advisor, mentor, and friend. He personified “yes we can”, racial consciousness, dedication to progressive social change, and above all excellence in the academy. Drs. William E. Nelson and Frank Hale will always be remembered as the men who changed forever the face of The Ohio State University.
Kevin and Melanye Dixon
May 25, 2013
Dr. Nelson is a great man and his legacy will continue in the community and at Ohio State university. He was a champion of social, civil and political justice. We embrace his words of wisdom....No struggle..no Peace!
May God bless the Family of Dr. William E. Nelson Jr.
May 25, 2013
Della and family, Sorry to hear about your loss. You have my deepest sympathy.Nick was such a great friend and colleague. He gave so much assistance to us when we started Black Studies at Otterbein University. He will be missed greatly.I am so sorry that I cannot attned the memorial service because I am currently in Virginia. Garlena Bauer
Lawrence Auls
May 24, 2013
Dr. Nelson. Thank you for "teaching" Black Cause forerunners of today's political leadership.
Lawrence
john white
May 24, 2013
nick was a good frar brother A0A
William (Bill) E. Harris, Ph.D.
May 24, 2013
Dr. Nelson and Dr. Frank Hale's support for the OSU Minority Fellowship allowed southern born brothers like myself to obtain a Doctorate at this strong global institution. His name is widely spoken across this country. May your family be in our prayers and forever know how much we loved, admired, and appreciated you. Doctoral class of 1996.
Larry Bowman
May 24, 2013
Dr. Nelson....Scholar, Warrior, Activist, Pioneer, Leader, Mentor, Friend, true Titan among men now called Home for rest well earned in Our Father's Kingdom.
Beverly Elder
May 24, 2013
You have my deepest sympathy.
May 24, 2013
Our Condolence to Della and Nicky, We were sadden by the news of his death. What a testimony of his life, he has mentored many students and dedicated his life to helping others.
His legacy at Ohio State University and the many students he guided through their educational goals will never be forgotten.
Dr. Nelson, Della and Nicky are personal friends and have done many acts of kindness for our family.
Della and Nicky, we are praying for you and remember "Bless are the dead who die in the Lord" We hope you find comfort in the knowledge that he was a devoted husband and great father. He often spoke about how much he loved you and appreciated your support as he traveled to empowered others all around the world to obtain their education.
Love You
Veronica Nesbitt, Lena and Tiffany
Plano, Texas
May 23, 2013
I worked with Dr. Nelson as his administrative assistant for 15 years. Dr. Nelson was trutly a remarkable and gifted man. He was not only a scholar but he was also an activist. He spent many hours working to correct the social ills of our society. He built a strong Black Studies Department at The Ohio State University. He opened doors for many people. All this was done with the loving support that he had from his family. And we are truly grateful. A giant has left us but his work will never be forgotten.
God Bless You.
S. Yolanda Robinson
Ella Coleman
May 23, 2013
Dr. Nelson definitely made a difference in my life and in the lives of so many people. I'm so blessed to have studied under him as my advisor in grad school. What a great man, community activist and academician. His legacy lives on through his us who knew and loved him, his published works, and the OSU "Black Studies" Department and OSU Extension Center. My prayers are with his beautiful wife and family, as well as his friends associates.
Claude Barnes, Ph.D.
May 23, 2013
The political science discipline will not be the same without the commentary and analysis of our dear brother and mentor Dr. William "Nick" Nelson. His wit, kind heart, steady guidance and friendship will be missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.
May 23, 2013
Our prayers go out to all my family.
Phillip & Earnestine Hawkins
Dr. Lynn Chavers
May 23, 2013
He will be missed by many. His research revealed so much truth and knowledge and he has mentored so many who will continue with his efforts. God bless this great man.
Lucille Hawkins
May 22, 2013
Please know that your family is in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Aunt Lucille Hawkins and family.
May 22, 2013
Saddened to hear of Dr. Nelson's transitioiin. May the peace of God be with you all as he joins the circle of the ancestors. CDElliott - OSU '95
Nwando Onyejekwe-Olayiwola
May 22, 2013
Our sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Nelson, and we hope you gain solace by the knowledge that he was a great inspiration and mentor to so many. May he rest in perfect peace.
May 22, 2013
To my dear cousin, Della and Nickie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Family.The creator is always with you. Nick, had a wonderful and fantastic life. Love + Respect.
Sincerely, Cousin, Albert Lawrence,Jr.
Atlanta,Ga.
Okey Onyejekwe
May 22, 2013
What a sad loss! Della and Nickie please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Nick was a good man and a great mentor.
Keith and Lisa Alford
May 22, 2013
Dr. Nelson's legacy of service to humanity and scholarship for the masses will live on. We were indeed blessed by his earthly presence. His imprint made a positive difference.
Ora Wood
May 22, 2013
Sending much prayer and love to Cousin Della, Nick and Family. Sorry we can't be there but we're with you all in spirit. R. I. P. Cousin Nick. From your Memphis Family.
May 22, 2013
Reverend Sweargen and wife:
You have my heartfelt sympathy in the homegoing of your brother.I am praying for you and the family.I miss you all,to.
Mary Venable
St.Mark COGIC
May 22, 2013
Dear Nelson Family Members,
Dr. Nelson was one of my most favorite individuals at Ohio State. Whenever I saw him, he always had something positive, true and uplifting to say to me. Mrs. Nelson, you know Dr. Nelson loved you...and he didnt' have any problem telling a person this fact.
While our hearts may be heavy, we know that Dr. Nelson is blessed because we believe and know, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them"
(Rev. 14:13)
Saundra Curry Ardrey
May 22, 2013
Dr. Nelson, I doubt I would have made it through to get my PhD in Political Science had it not been for your mentoring, your guidance and your patience. Thank you and I'm sad that young aspiring African American scholars will not have your counsel. You will be missed.
FRED & MAUDE KING
May 22, 2013
Della and Nickie, we are saddend to hear of the passing of our friend, Nick. We were college mates at Arkansas A.M.& N.(UAPB). We will always have fund memories of Nick. Our prayers are with you.
May 22, 2013
You will be sorely missed by your NCOBPS sisters and brothers. Sincerely, Joe McCormick
Past president (1999-2000)NCOBPS
Wanda Dillard
May 22, 2013
My prayers are with the family during this time. He was wonderful educator and storyteller, who will be missed.
Corrine and Ismail White
May 22, 2013
We were honored to be colleagues with Dr. Nelson for just a few short years before his retirement from OSU. He was a kind and generous colleague, and a giant in the field. He leaves an enormous legacy of scholarship, mentorship, and activism. Our condolences to the family, and our thanks for enabling Dr. Nelson to give so much to the world.
Verona Jones
May 22, 2013
Nick, May the Lord strengthen you and yours during this most difficult time. What a magnificent testimony of a life dedicated to others! We love you Nick Nelson!
Nicole Yun
May 22, 2013
May God keep you and bless you during this time. My love and prayers. Rest in peace Dr. Nelson. GO BUCKS!!!
May 22, 2013
The community has suffered a tremendous loss in the passing of Dr. Nelson. His influence in the African American community and at The Ohio State University, at-large, is unmatched.
Luevinia Carr
May 22, 2013
May God keep you all at this time. Much love and prayers to cousin Della and the Family from your Memphis Family. God bless. R. I. P. Cousin Nick.
Victor Smith
May 21, 2013
Remembering the time spent in your home with your wife sharing the highlights of your career and family trips. The story in a trip home about Jerry Hammond was the best. A Phi!
Lee Jones
May 21, 2013
I have been very Blessed to have met some Tall Giants, Scholars, and True Models of African American Excellence. As I reflect, many of them during the early stages of my Graduate work at The Ohio State University. I recall Dr. Nelson as a scholar, but more importantly as a man of integrity who LOVED humanity! Your energy will forever shape the lives of all who will touch the soil of Ohio State!
Take your well deserved rest my brother!
Dr Lee Jones, Class of 89' 92/ and 95'
Yvette/A.B. Assensoh
May 21, 2013
We are sorry, Mrs. Della Nelson and the family. Please, know that Professor Nelson is with God in Heaven, where there is no pain! With our deepest condolences!
Gloria McKinney
May 21, 2013
God bless Nick's son and his wife, Della. God bless all family members. Stay faithful and strong in God.
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