Harry Nelson

1922 - 2018

Harry
Nelson
November 25. 1922-
June 23, 2018
Eufaula, Alabama- Harry Nelson of Eufaula, Alabama, passed from this life on June 23rd 2018. He was the only child of John Morgan and Estie Mallette Nelson, born November 25th, 1922, in Dozier, Alabama. He was married to Helen Ruth Merrill Nelson for 69 years until her death in April of 2016. He is survived by 3 children, 2 sons-in-law, 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was greatly loved by his family and they are incredibly proud and grateful for the blessings that flowed from their father and grandfather.
His daughter, Kathy, is married to Edward J Pavlik and they are parents of Thomas E Pavlik (Heather) parents of Sean R. Pavlik; and Katherine Pavlik Adair (Michael). His daughter Nancy is married to William M. Blume, Jr., and they are parents to William M. Blume, III (Lisa), parents of Reagan Blume; Christopher N. Blume, Katie Blume Turbeville (Will). His son John Harry is father to Lauren Nelson Molnar (Andi) and parents of Telena and Jonka Molnar and John Harry Nelson, II.
He was predeceased by a half- sister Carolyn Nelson Hardin and survived by her children Steve Hardin and Susan Hardin LaChance. He is survived also by his brother-in-law, Dr. Conrad Merrill of Dozier, Alabama.
Mr. Nelson attended Auburn University before enlisting in the Army Air Force in 1942. He graduated from pilot training and served on a B-17 combat crew in the 8th Air Force. He flew missions over Normandy, northern France and Germany and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters. After military service in World War II, he returned to Auburn University and graduated in 1947. He moved to Eufaula with First National Bank in 1948. Mr. Nelson graduated from the School of Banking at LSU in 1958. In 1965 he was one of the organizers of Citizens Bank of Eufaula, and was its first president from 1965 to 1987 and was a director until 1992. Citizens is now BBVA Compass. In addition to his remarkable career, Mr. Nelson was a much admired civic leader serving on the first Eufaula Planning Commission, the Eufaula Housing Authority, 8 years on the Barbour County Board of Revenue, President of the Kiwanis Club and the Eufaula Country Club and a member of the Industrial Development Board.
Mr. Nelson was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church for 70 years. He served as treasurer, Chairman of the Board, delegate to the annual conference, member of the Board of Stewards, member of the Pastor Parish Staff Committee, Chairman of District Trustees, President of Blue Lake Assembly Grounds Commission and Director of Alabama West Florida Conference Foundation. He was a lifelong attender of the Adams Bible Class and the men's devotional breakfast. In all personal and professional interactions he was unfailingly kind, encouraging, generous and optimistic. Lifelong friendships, dedication to his community, his work, his church, and most especially his family describes a life well lived, a life to be admired, emulated and celebrated.
Visitation will be at Chapman Funeral Home, Monday June 25th between 4 and 6 PM. Funeral services will be at the First United Methodist Church at 2 PM, Tuesday, June 26th. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the First United Methodist Church of Eufaula.