Larry Houston Nelson, 75, of Seneca, passed away on January 24, 2026. Larry was born in Columbia, SC, to the late Vernon Houston & Violet Sauls Nelson.
A devoted family man, esteemed member of his community, and a person of deep faith, Larry dedicated much of his life to the practice of dentistry. He embarked on this noble profession after earning his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from The Medical University of South Carolina. For 35 years, Larry owned and operated his dental practice in Columbia, SC, where he was known not only for his clinical skills but also for the care and compassion he showed to his patients.
In the latter part of his career, Larry relocated to the upstate of South Carolina, where he contributed his expertise to Clemson Family Dentistry for an additional five years. Throughout his career, he took great pride in his work, valuing the relationships he built with his patients and his colleagues.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Larry’s most treasured moments were those he spent cheering for his family and celebrating their successes. He loved golf, daily neighborhood walks, and model railroading. He also took great joy in maintaining a beautiful yard.
Larry will be remembered fondly for his kindness, sense of humor, dedication, and the positive impact he had on everyone around him. His legacy as a caring dentist and a loving husband, dad, papa, and friend will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Larry is survived by his cherished wife of 53 years, Joyce Bare Nelson; daughters, Traci Harrington (John Ballato), and Kelly Tracy (Jon); sister, Bonnie Elizabeth Nelson; and grandchildren, Noah Harrington, Madelyn Audrey Tracy, and Ella Grace Tracy.
In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by his son Andrew Houston Nelson.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 6th, 2026, from 1:00 – 1:45 PM at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will follow visitation in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home starting at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity that is most meaningful to you.
Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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