Larry A. Nelson

October 28, 1932 - August 13, 2016

Raleigh

Larry A. Nelson, 83, statistics educator and consultant, died August 13. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska and grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and received a BS degree from Iowa State University in agronomy. He received a MS degree from Texas A&M University in soil science, and a PhD from North Carolina State University in statistics and soil science. He joined the department, teaching statistics and consulting internationally until retiring in 1989. Beginning in 2002 he served as interim coordinator and then assistant dean for international programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences until 2007. He subsequently wrote and presented several papers on tourism. He was active in the Capitol City Kiwanis and served as president 2014-15. He surpassed 1500 hours of volunteer service in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Rex Hospital. Avocations included bicycling, world travel, and serving as organist at multiple local churches. He was an avid genealogist, and traced his family's origin in the U.S. to John Lewis, a shipbuilder, who lived in New London, CT circa 1650. He was preceded in death by his parents Rudolph and Elizabeth (Lewis) Nelson and two brothers, Donald H. and Richard L. Nelson. He is survived by a brother David H. (Joyce) and sister-in law Dorothy (Richard) Nelson and nieces and nephews and their families.

Visitation will be held from 3-4 PM Saturday August 20, 2016 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC 27605 where a funeral service will begin at 4 PM.

Burial will be in Lewis Township Cemetery near Council Bluffs, IA.

Please visit www.brownw ynne.com to share memories and offer condolences to the Nelson family.

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

Published by The News and Observer on Aug. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Nelson

Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory.

15 Entries

Larry Nelson

October 20, 2016

I met Dr. Nelson when he taught a course for statistics when my husband studied at NCSU. I am so sad to hear of the passing Larry

CARMEN BRUNILDA UBIERA.

Mahlon Tucker

August 23, 2016

Larry and I worked together in various leadership capacities in the Capital City Kiwanis Club in Raleigh over the years. I especially enjoyed his excellent leadership last year as President of the Club. And it was during that time that I witnessed first hand many of the leadership qualities that others have already identified in earlier tributes! Since I have been a physical fitness advocate all my life, I especially admired and enjoyed hearing about his fun and exciting adventures in physical fitness and his bicycling forays. I will really miss my friend Larry........

maurice cook

August 21, 2016

Larry was a special friend and we appreciated his friendship for more than 50 years. He combined his talents, skills, and abilities with his humility and genuine human concern to leave a legacy of service for the betterment of humankind. Our deepest sympathy to the Nelson family. Maurice and Nancy Cook

Sophia Kathariou

August 20, 2016

In my 30+ years in academia I have known only a few people like Larry: with the amazing combination of being so smart, and talented, kind and helpful! and with a delightful sense of humor!! I feel so lucky to have interacted with him.
Two items that I will always cherish, among many others:
His comment about a student who inadvertently lost the data his MS thesis had been based on: "The world will soon forgive you for your masters thesis!"
And how he so gently but deliberately mediated interactions among two faculty in his capacity in International Programs at NCSU, leading to a win-win in more ways than could have been ever expected.
We will miss him and always think of him with gladness and affection.

David and Eric, thank you so much for sharing special family memories with us at Larry's memorial today!!
Sophia Kathariou, Professor, Food Science, NCSU

Michelle Schroeder-Moreno

August 19, 2016

Larry was such a gem of a person at NC State and was such a genuine example of the Land-grant mission in teaching, research and outreach locally and globally. He encouraged countless students and faculty, like myself to do international work. Even when I was abroad teaching later on in Costa Rica , various faculty knew Larry and his contributions to statistics and international education. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

John Richardson

August 18, 2016

The world is a better place for all who had any contact with Larry. He was one of the nicest and caring persons I had an opportunity to know through our various roles at NCSU. I was shocked and am deeply saddened at the loss of Larry. I must confess that I always respected and admired his willingness to cooperate. Plus, it was fun and exciting to hear about all of his many bicycle forays. A great guy that will be missed by many. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends. John Richardson

Michael Bustle

August 18, 2016

It was a real honor to know and work with Larry. He was always encouraging and full of energy and life. Always on the go, seeming to know everyone, and willing to help out.

Dr. Jean First Name Ristaino

August 18, 2016

Larry cared about International programs at NC State and helped forge the way for other like-minded scientists like myself to pursue international agriculture research and development projects. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Shu-Cherng Fang

August 18, 2016

Larry's smile is the most expected by many of his friends in the Carmichael Gymnasium and University Club. I always call him "Provost Nelson" to show my respects. He is a great guy! I know he is smiling.

Ken Pollock

August 18, 2016

I met Larry Nelson when I joined the Statistics Department in 1980. He was always cheerful and welcoming and generous to everyone and he really believed in statistics as a service discipline. In later years after retirement I would often see him in the gym and he always seemed happy and healthy. Very sad to learn of his death. Condolences to his family!

Diane Bullock,RN

August 17, 2016

Larry volunteered in the Cancer Center where I work. Larry was always kind, caring and compassionate with all of the staff and our patients. He will be greatly missed! I am so sad to hear about his passing.

Gordon Miner

August 17, 2016

We were sadden to hear of the passing of Larry, and will remember him with fondness. He will be missed.
Gordon and Linda Miner.

Alison McCoy

August 17, 2016

I met Larry when he taught a course for the Department of Statistics in 2011. It was the 53rd time he had taught ST512. He was simply the nicest gentleman and so interesting to talk with. I will miss him.

kim thomas

August 17, 2016

Larry Nelson was such a nice man to me. I am CNA of a man that was in kawaina with him he was the first one who engaged me and made me feel like i belonged there with them. He was a very awesome man. And a State fan didn't hurt either....

Harry Nicholos

August 17, 2016

Larry was one of the first people I met when I joined the University 34 years ago. He was a kind and gentle man who I am honored to have called my friend throughout that time. I will miss the times when we'd see each other at the NC State University Club! Just simply a wonderful man.

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