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Norris Nelson Obituary
Norris Nelson, founder of the Blue Front Bar-B-Q restaurant and its famous sauce, died Nov. 6. He was 74.
Mr. Nelson was born on a farm in Eastman, Ga., in 1934 and moved to West Palm Beach as a young man. He worked as a janitor, store clerk and landscaper until his mother suggested a new direction.
"She told him, 'Norris, you know you can barbecue. Your daddy taught you how to barbecue,'" said Annie Ruth Nelson, his wife of five years.
In 1964, Nelson got a loan to purchase a faltering restaurant at 15th Street and Tamarind Avenue. The first restaurant was only 20 feet long by 20 feet wide, but people were soon lining up around the block to get his chicken and ribs.
Many customers asked for more of the thick, spicy sauce, which he made from his grandfather's recipe. At first, Mr. Nelson poured it into empty Coca-Cola bottles so they could take some home.
"Once you've had it, there's just no substitute," his wife said.
In 1980, Mr. Nelson opened a bottling plant across from the restaurant and started pitching the sauce to the big supermarket chains.
"He was up against Kraft and all these huge companies," his wife said. "When he went to be interviewed at the supermarkets, he would say, 'just taste it. I know you are going to like it.'"
And when they tasted it, they did like it. His company still produces more than 1,000 cases of Blue Front Bar-B-Q sauce each month from its bottling plant on 25th Street in West Palm Beach. It is sold widely at local Winn-Dixie and Publix stores, and as far away as the Bahamas, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.
Mr. Nelson's dream was to open a larger restaurant, and he found his spot at 1225 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. He designed and built much of the restaurant himself, laying the blocks and doing some of the carpentry work. He operated the restaurant until 1999, when he retired for personal and health reasons. He sold it to Tom's Place in 2003.
Mr. Nelson, who was known as the "Barbecue King," also became a community leader. He was a deacon in his church, cooked for the Guardian Angels and raised donations for Haitian refugees. After Hurricane Andrew, he travelled to Miami to help cook for thousands of storm victims.
"He has been someone that his family is extremely proud of," his wife said. "He is my hero."
His family will receive friends for the viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Christ Evangelical Baptist Church, 3097 Hibiscus Circle, West Palm Beach. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 801 8th St., West Palm Beach.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Phyllis Laino
December 7, 2024
I remember when he opened his walk up to buy his sauce. That´s all I have ever used since...nothing can compare....my condolences to his family
Emma West .I didn't know the family personally .but I always buying the bar
December 7, 2024
My condolences
Henry Dean
February 11, 2014
A man never truly dies as long as he is remembered in the minds and hearts of those who knew and loved him If Mr Nelson impacted your life in any way, you are the better for having know him. Can't ever go to West Palm Beach and not think about Mr. Nelson and Blue Front Barbeque!
January 29, 2014
I will all way remember the summer reunions my mother and father wold talk me to visit Norris mother and father. Uncke IKE and Aunt Martha. I was always so happy and Uncle Ike would open the watermellon with his knee, we would eat the heart of the mellon and give the rest to the pig......What a blessing to be raised by blessed people.....
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Elvin Andrews
October 10, 2013
To the Nelson Family:
My Name is Elvin Latray Andrews and I was born and raised in fort pierce fl until I went off to college now i stay in quincy fl and I want to tell you how proud I am of your father Norris Nelson, His charity work and his love for man kind is both god ordained and heaven sent. I love his bbq sauce I always have my family send a bottle up to me every summer. He has the best sauce in the WORLD hands down. I will forever cherish his bbq sauce and his sauce will always have a place in my home and heart
Sincerly,
Tray
Wanda Edwards-Davis
January 24, 2013
Miss u Uncle Norris. I had my first job with you in your first BBQ shack when I was only 15 yrs old. It was that job that has help to shape my job ethics today. Thank you. Love you
mark scheinbaum
July 6, 2012
Much better late than ever...out of Florida and out of touch for many years...but thinking of Norris Nelson as another Hurricane Andrew anniversary comes around...Have no idea if anyone will read this, but to all family and friends, rest assured....above and beyond any expection of any human being...Norris Nelson did the Lord's work after that horrendous hurricane. His spark, desire, organizational skills, and commitment resulted in his helping to assemble, cook, transport and lay out the food tofeed more than 4,000 people one sweltering Sunday in South Dade, opposite the Coral Castle area in a wrecked AMOCO station...at one point a man from the Salvation Army had to come over with cheese sandwiches and urge him and other volunteers to take a break themselves...the man had noticed that those serving BBQ under Mr Nelson's direction her hot, sweaty, and themselves had not eaten all day...There are a few people in this life who lead by example...your family had such a man.
Love always to all..
Mark Scheinbaum, former WJNO radio host
[email protected]
Richard Edwards
July 29, 2009
mr. nelson was a great man who love the lord he will be missed. he was honesy and a true friend. I remember him as a child helping him move some things around in his store, he will be remember for his love for all gods people,and also his hand shake was his word. now as a man living in charlotte,nc I give my condolence to his family,may god be with you all doing this difficult time. Richard Edwards.
Daniel Parker
April 19, 2009
To the Nelson & Wilborn Family (Annie Ruth)
Please accept our belated sincerest condolences from the Parker Family.
As recently acquainted family members, you should understand that you can always count on us for support.
Daniel Parker & Family
Uncle Gene and Uncle Norris
March 20, 2009
NaQuita Miller
January 8, 2009
Uncle Norris its ya baby girl quita I love you so much and you will truly be in my heart forever.
Vivian E. Stroman-Folsom
November 21, 2008
To Annie Ruth, Lucille & Family;
God did not want your loved (his Child) one to suffer and the hills were hard to climb, So he closed Dea. Nelson's eyes and gentely whispered... "Peace Be Thine"
His weary hours and days of pain, and troubled nights have passed, And in his peaceful heart he has found sweet rest at last...
"Peace Be Thine"
He would not want the ones he love to grieve for him today. We must not say that he's gone for he is just away..."Peace Be Thine"
"He's in the arms of the Angel far away from here and he has found some comfort there"
Juanita Minton-Crumity (Andre & Shayla)
November 21, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Cynthia Robinson
November 20, 2008
Uncle Norris would always greet me with a warm smile. I attend CEBC where he was a deacon at. He will be truly missed by my family and I.
jennifer friedman
November 18, 2008
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Nelson at Sam's Club on 45th street where I worked for 13 years. He always had a smile on his face and kind words to share. He will be truly miss and always remembered.
Altamease Nelson Buie
November 17, 2008
Ann all of us loved Norris dearly.We will miss that smile,We know he loved his family dearly. Thank you so much for bringing Norris to our family reunion in Deltona last July he enjoyed everyone so much. I will never forget how he kept telling each of us how much he loved us,thank you so much for taking exceptional good care of him, he was pleased with your devotion to him and my sister and I will always be greatful for all your sacrafices. Be blessed
Gloria Hope
November 17, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Judy
November 17, 2008
I was born and raised in Palm Beach County - how could I not have heard of and enjoyed the Blue Front BBQ?
My sincere condolences to the family.
AnEta Sewell
November 17, 2008
My Deepest Condolences.
AnEta Sewell
Marci Todd
November 16, 2008
He truly had the world's best bbq sauce. I cannot tell you all the times that I used to bring it to my mom in the Carolina's before we moved. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and we will continue to enjoy your sauce.
André Fraiser
November 16, 2008
I met Mr. Nelson at his bottling plant earlier this year while networking during my job search. He was a polite, unassuming man whose confident smile was the only suggestion of his numerous accomplishments from humble beginings. I enjoyed talking with him about his business and seeing his pride in what Blue Front had become. I regret I didn't meet him sooner.
Janie Turner
November 15, 2008
My prayers are with you
Lorna Rice - Kidder
November 15, 2008
Mrs. Nelson and Family: My Daddy work for the RailWayExpress on 5th street for 35 years. He introduced my Mom and three younger sisters to Mr. Nelson delious(lousy spelling) BBQue when I was very young. I loved him and his food. It is the only Mild BBQue sauce I have been able to eat. Now Momma and Daddy can go to his BBQue in heaven and remember the days when WPB was the place to live. May the Good Lord Carry you and yours in his arms till you meet in heaven once more.
Nancy Grubb
November 14, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I can remember standing in line, waiting for ribs. He was so nice and half the time I didn't know how much I needed. He was so patient. It's like another part of the Old West Palm is gone. God Bless you all. Nancy
A. Jackson & Joyce Pinkney
November 14, 2008
"Well done,thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the lord. Matthew 25:21
To Mrs. Nelson & Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with now and always. Take comfort in knowing that Dea. Nelson is resting in the arms of the angles.
angela brown
November 14, 2008
hello family, we just want you to know we are with you annie ruth every step of your way. mama tina has prayed with you, and we all send ur love to you at this time.
Vanessa Lee
November 14, 2008
Annie Ruth, I would like to take this time to send you my heartfelt condolences for your lost. He was a good man and God don't make mistakes. Wow! just think what heaven is going to be like with the BBQ king there! And I'm sure he'll find my dad (late Percy Lee) there too. Be strong and I will forever keep you and your family in my prayers.
Kelley Bandlow
November 14, 2008
So sorry to the family for your loss. I have been eating your BBQ and sauce since I was a child. I used to wait on Mr. Norris when he would come to the bank and deposit his cash and all I could smell was that great BBQ. Those were the days. God Bless his family.
Immanuel Temple AME Church
November 14, 2008
Dear Sister Valerie Battle & Family,
On behalf of your church family, Immanuel Temple AME Church, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May the assurance of God's love for you and your memories with your uncle bring you comfort. We love you!
Jean Burns-Andrews
November 14, 2008
Mr. Nelson I am going to really miss your smile at church. You taught me and my family a lot of things concerning the importance of prayer.For you will be greatly missed.
Ruby Walker
November 14, 2008
Deacon Nelson was a sweet man with a gentle and mild spirit. He spoke softly with a smile on his face even when he wasn't feeling well. His presence will surely be missed from this place. May GOD richly endure you {family} at this time - HE is definitely ABLE.
Lester Moody
November 14, 2008
May you rest in peace, Lester Moody, formerly of West Palm Beach, Florida.
Clarence Freeman
November 14, 2008
Mr. Nelson, God loved you so much, that he wanted you to come home. Now all the Heavens will prepare for an excellent feast.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Jim Wethington
November 14, 2008
In 1987 I was working in Stuart at a local ice cream store. Mr. Nelson stopped in and we struck up a conversation.. He asked me what my favorite BBQ sauce was and I told him. He said well try this and he walked to the van he was in and brought back a bottle of Blue Front. I was very impressed. Next thing I knew he had given me a case to pass out to friends and I can honestly say my home has never been without it in the kitchen since then. He was a true entreprenuer.
November 14, 2008
My daddy toook to me Blue Front at 15th and Tamarind when I was a little boy. I am 35 now. We always talk about the best BBQ ever!
Barbara B. Adams
November 14, 2008
Annie Ruth and family our condolences are extended to you in the loss of your loved one. Continue to look to the hill, there you will find your help. God bless.
Susan Best
November 14, 2008
I was born & raised in West Palm Beach and I loved Blue Front BBQ.I am so sorry to hear of Mr.Nelson's passing.He will always be remembered In West Palm Beach.May God Bless the family of Mr.Nelson and get you through this sad time.
November 13, 2008
I am sorry to hear of this loss I too had the oppurtunity to enjoy the taste of food that Mr. Nelson created on the grill and in many homes in PBC i was telling a friend when I came home for thanksgiving weekend to remind me to get some B.F Bar~BQ sauce. You will be truley missed!
Tavia Horne
November 13, 2008
With deepest sympathy, I send my love. Sorry for my absents but you will always be in my prayers. We must always remember God never make mistakes.
Robert & Betty Woolfork
November 13, 2008
To ANNIE RUTH AND THE NELSON FAMILY
Please accept this note as our our expression of sympathy and condolence on the passing of Norris. We share your feelings of emptiness, loneliness and sorrow on the loss of your loved one. However, just remember, that it is in death that we and our loved ones are born to eternal life with God. Loved ones are only as dead as our failure to remember them. We pray for God's strength, healing and peace for you and your family in the days ahead.
WE CARE!!!
Jim Simpson
November 11, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Florestine Wilson
November 10, 2008
To the Nelson Family:
Norris will be soarly missed. He had the most beautiful smile every time I saw him. He is now smiling in heaven.
Flo Wilson (Curtis Wilson sister)
Henry Dean
November 10, 2008
The passing of Mr. Norris Nelson leaves us with a sense of lost. Lost to the individual as well as the community. Gone are his entrepreneural and pioneering spirit. His "Blue Front BBQ" was legendary and set the standard by which all BBQ is measured. He had a strong work ethic, loved his family, and a deep abiding faith in his God.
So take your rest my brother, "well done thou good and faithful servant", you earned it. He will be missed by scores of peolple. I would like to express my condolences to his family.
Bob Sabb
November 10, 2008
Warm Summer Sun
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.
By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
The Poetry Foundation
Kenneth Price
November 9, 2008
The Blue Front was a Legacy in West Palm Beach for many years and a lot of us (Roosevelt Maroon Devils) were customers of a man that shared his values and experiences with us. He will be missed by scores of peolple. I would like to express my condolences to his family.
Yolanda Mixon
November 9, 2008
Mr. Nelson,
Me and my family have been apart of your life for a long time, we all appreciated the opportunity to have our first jobs with you at the "BAR-B-QUE STAND" you will be missed by us all; Ricardo, Daryl, Debra, Yolanda (Precious), Karla, Angie, Carol, Nichole, Michael (beana) "
THE BROWN FAMILY"
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