CONWAY, NC – James Edward Nelson, 99, died at the Villa in Rich Square, NC on September 18, 2018.

He had been a 30-plus year employee of the Georgia Pacific Hardboard Corporation in Conway until their closing and after the unexpected retirement found enjoyment in his personal garden where he spent many hours raising vegetables to sell or share with friends and neighbors. He truly loved being and working outside.

He was a quiet man and a gentle man who had been a lifelong member of the Conway Baptist Church and a longtime member of the Conway Baptist Church Brotherhood.

James had been preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Hale Nelson, and second wife, Annie Carol Nelson; and a brother, Jesse Nelson.

Mr. Nelson’s survivors include one son, James “Jimmy” Walter Nelson and his wife, Karen, of Conway; sister-in-law, Pearl Edwards Nelson of Conway; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 21 in Conway Baptist Church with Rev. Willie McLawhorn presiding. Burial followed in the Town of Conway Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to either PruittHealth Hospice, 301 S. Church St., Suite 135, Rocky Mount, NC 27804; or to the Conway Baptist Church Brotherhood, c/o Conway Baptist Church, 229 N. Church St., Conway, NC 27820.

Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. in Conway is in charge of arrangements and online condolences can be shared with the family at www.bridgersfuneralhome.com.