Elder Leroy Nelson, Sr. departed this life on January 6, 2015 at the age of 77. He was born February 6, 1937 to Mr. and Mrs. James and Edith Nelson, Sr., the second of seven siblings..

Elder Nelson received his high school diploma from Carver High School in 1955. He joined the US Army and served in Germany. He furthered his education at Winsalm Business College and Winston-Salem Teachers College. He was employed by RJ Reynolds, Douglas Battery, and retired from US Airways in 1999.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James E. Nelson, Jr.; and his sister, Betty M. Nelson-Searcy.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mrs. Argentina Rice-Nelson of Kissimmee, FL; three sons, Milton (Netta) Fulton of W-S, NC, Kevin (Sheila) Nelson of Glen Burnie, MD, and Leroy (Lisa) Nelson, Jr. of Statesville, NC; two daughters, Shannon Ward of Kernersville, NC and Argentina (Damion) Gibson of Kissimmee, FL; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bishop Jack E. (Deloise) Nelson of W-S, NC and Joseph L. Nelson of W-S, NC; close cousin, Fate Martin, Jr. of W-S, NC; sisters, Alberta A. Nelson and Minister Patricia N. Rhyne of W-S, NC; one uncle, William (Louella) Nelson, Jr. of Fort Washington, MD; two aunts, Marjorie Nelson of Detroit, MI and Margie James and Statesville, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Samuel J. Cornelius officiating. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Wednesday at the Church.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Mrs. Jackie Penn; a devoted niece and nephew, Arlisa and Scotty Reaves; special friends, Calvin Hillian, James Reaves, Jr., and Aldine Searcy; and to everyone for the cards, the phone calls, and the prayers. We love each and every one of you. Love the Nelson Family.