Funeral service for James “Ralph” Nelson, 87, will be Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Harold Thompson officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Key Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mr. Nelson passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at his residence. He was born October 24, 1936, in Morgan County, to Joseph Washington Nelson and Bertha Jane McAnally Nelson.
Mr. Nelson was a 1955 graduate of Falkville High School, and then attended St. Bernard College on Scholarship to play Basketball. He also graduated from Athens State College with his Bachelor’s Degree and then was drafted into the United States Army, where he served from 1961 – 1963. Ralph married his High School sweetheart in 1957 and they were married for 67 years.
He was employed by General Electric as an Industrial and Manufacturing Engineer, prior to his retirement. He joined Gandy’s Cove United Methodist Church in 1956. He spent a lifetime calling Basketball as an Official for the Alabama High School Athletic Association. He was an Avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan and loved watching the Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed watching his daughter, Jane, play basketball. He really just loved watching any basketball game. He also enjoyed playing in the Senior Olympic Basketball Games for years.
Preceding him in death were two daughters: Janet Marie Nelson and Jane Nelson Fields, his parents, three brothers: Lavert, Lavon and Lavern Nelson, two sisters: Carmon Sanders and Marie McClellan, a granddaughter: Scarlett Graham and nephews that were like brothers: Steve Nelson, Ray Sanders and J.L. Sanders.
Survivors include
Wife of 67 years – Mary Alice Morris Nelson
Daughter – June Nelson Graham
Grandchildren – Nelson Graham (Marlana)
Caleb Fields
Great Grandchildren – Kabri Graham,
Daysen Graham and
Nora Jane Graham
Nephews like brothers: Kenneth McClellan,
Bill Nelson and
John Nelson.
Pallbearers will be Keaton Bennich, Jarred Pucket, Frank Doughtery, Jimmy Galbreath, Rex Slate and Allen Gandy.
Family wishes to express “Special Thanks” to his caregivers: Eileen Burke and Caroline Moody.
Peck Funeral Home
