Preston Nelson

1924 - 2021

Preston Nelson

April 24, 1924 - May 12, 2021

Preston Lee Nelson was born April 24, 1924, in Moody, Texas, to Herschel L. Nelson and Dolly Russell Nelson. He died on May 12, 2021, at the age of 97, in McGregor, Texas. A memorial will be held over Zoom at 2 p.m., May 22. Zoom information can be found at www.pecangrovefuneral.com, in the online obituary as soon as it is available.

Dad and grandpa ran Nelson's Welding and Blacksmithing in Eddy for 31 years. He kept the farmers and ranchers equipment repaired and built various trailers from scratch to make their work easier. His favorite pastime was rebuilding cars and always loved the challenge of creating something new. In 1952 he redesigned a 3-wheeled car and was given a commendation from the Editors of Mechanics Illustrated for the "excellent craftmanship of his workshop project." He built dune buggies as well, and our joy was the go-karts he built for us and for grandchildren when they came along. In 1972, he changed occupation to construction as a trim carpenter, and he and Mike ran the business together until retirement. Dad loved to "work". Even in his final days he wished he could go to work. You could regularly find him working on projects. When he and mom moved to McGregor he was known for rebuilding bicycles. He adored his grandchildren and was so happy to get to see two great-grandchildren. He loved being called pawpaw.

Daddy was baptized May 1, 1946, as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He and Mom attended the Temple congregation until they were asked to help get a congregation started in McGregor on September 1, 1954, where he served as an elder for many years. He shared his hope with so many people over the years concerning living on a paradise earth forever. He looked forward to seeing loved ones again by means of the resurrection, and now we look forward to that as well when we get to see him again. He very often read Rev. 21:4 and kept his heart focused on that promise.

Daddy married Mom in 1943 and they were blessed with 57 years of marriage until Mom's passing in 2001. Daddy married a very kind and sweet lady, Erline Shropshire, who brought him 19 years of additional happiness until her death earlier this year.

Daddy was also preceded in death by his sister, Corine Nelson; his mother, Dolly Chandler; his father, Herschel Nelson.

Survivors include Mike Nelson and wife, Robin, of San Diego, Pam Chandler and husband, Jondre, of McGregor; grandchildren, Heather Tom and husband, Wesley, of Waco, and Jared Chandler and wife, Jacky, of Lorena; great-grandchildren, Kyle and Bradley Tom.