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Don Nelson, 71, of Bainbridge, formerly of Rocky Mount, VA, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor John Woodrum officiating. Interment will follow at Oak City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

Donald Ervin Nelson was born May 24, 1953, in Kokomo, IN, the son of Bud & Irene Cannon Nelson. After high school, Don earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in Management and one in Personal & Industry Relations. He married Penny Newberry in 1987; they started life together in Cleveland, TN, made their way to Rocky Mount, VA, and then Bainbridge, GA. Don retired from Akzo Nobel. He attended Grace Church.

Like his father, Don enjoyed the outdoors and the woodworking shop. The woodworking shop held many memories of time spent learning from his father as well as sharing ideas. Working in the yard, fishing, and golf were favorite pastimes. Don was easy going and thoughtful. He chose his words wisely and made them count. His love for the children and grandchildren was evident in every conversation.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Penny Newberry Nelson; his children, Amanda Foster (Jay) of Knoxville, TN, Chaplain Lt. Donald Ryan Nelson, US Navy of Miami, FL, Corey Greene (Cyndel) of Cleveland, TN, and Chase Greene (Ashlee) of Wylie, TX; his grandchildren, Drew, Ally, Summer, Logan, Abel, Betty, Evelyn, Kayvon and Monte; and his mother, Irene Nelson. Don was preceded in death by his father, Oscar E. “Bud” Nelson.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)