Merl Nelson, Sr. was born on September 9, 1936, in Lilburn, MO to his parents Eddie and Francis Nelson who preceded him in death. He also was preceded in death by two sons from a previous marriage: Anthony Nelson and Derrell Lenard Nelson; four brothers: Napolean Nelson (Betty), William Nelson, Nehemiah Nelson and Eddie Nelson; and two sisters: Katherine Nelson Buckley and Mary Louise Nelson.
Merl Nelson departed this life on September 15, 2024, at the age of 88.
He was united in holy matrimony to Jacqueline (Jackie) Marie Jones in Detroit, MI, and they were together for 63 years until his passing. Merl was an auto worker at Ford Motor Company in Livonia, MI, and moved to Huntsville AL, on September 20, 2005, following his retirement. Merl and Jackie were one of the founders of the Space Age RV Club in Huntsville, AL, where they enjoyed traveling in their RV, camping, fishing and socializing with their club members.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Marie Nelson of Huntsville, AL; one son from a previous marriage, Merl Nelson Jr. (Gay) of Warren, MI; two daughters: Denise Marie Chatman (Mark) of Harvest, AL and Tracy Evette Lynch (Ricky) of New Market, AL; two brothers: John Nelson of Canton, MI and Lawrence Nelson, Sr. of Snellville, GA; one sister, Verna Dean Brumfield of Stone Mountain GA; fifteen grandchildren, Joseph Nelson, Antoine Lynch, Lamar Nelson, Mark Chatman, Donnell Lynch, DeMarco Chatman, Stacey Gaudy, Carmen Lao, Merl C. Nelson, Derrell Nelson Jr., Monique Nelson, Marcus Nelson, Anthony Nelson Jr., De Antoine Nelson and Mariah Nelson.
He leaves a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral service will be 12:00 noon, Saturday, September 28, 2024 at The Family Worship Center (3105 8th Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805) with Pastor Jvon Hearn officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. Mr. Nelson will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The Nelson family will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 1:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2024 and 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
