Rolland C. “Brownie” Nelson, 91, passed away on April 27th, 2024, in Athens, Alabama. He was born on March 29th, 1933, in Eva, Alabama, to Lee Roy and Ivory Bell Nelson. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister Jean Turner; his brothers Olen Nelson, Etheridge Nelson, and Curtis Nelson. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Peggy Bryan Nelson; children Sherree Nelson Clark (Chuck), and Bryan Nelson (Susan). He was the grandfather to Kate Seitz (Zach), Holly Clark Crawley (Monroe), Jake Nelson (Sarah), Harrison Nelson, Meredith Nelson, and Chris Clark; and great-grandchildren Evie Nelson, Noah Nelson, Beau Ellis Nelson, Colton Seitz, Mya Jane Seitz, and Ronan Crawley. He is also survived by his siblings James Nelson (Virginia), Martin Nelson (Nina Gay), Sydney Nelson (Anita), Evonne Haney, Doris Boughman, and Mary Jane Hatfield (Cliff).
Brownie was a 1952 graduate of Eva High School and received a basketball scholarship to St. Bernard College, where he earned all American Honors. He then received a basketball scholarship to Auburn University, where he earned all SEC Honors. Brownie continued his education, earning a BS and Master’s degree at Auburn. He had an outstanding coaching career starting at Auburn High School, then to Athens City School System, where he was an educator, coach, and guidance counselor, impacting countless students and all that knew him.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Athens, a former president of the Limestone County Auburn Club, Lion Club member, and Lion of the Year. He was inducted into the Morgan County and Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame. He was loyal to his church, leading an Usher Team.
He enjoyed Auburn sports, his family, his friends, and his church. He will be missed and remembered as a great man.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 3rd, 2024, at 2:00pm at First Methodist Church of Athens, with visitation from 12:00-1:45pm in the sanctuary. A private family burial will follow the service at Roselawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Shane Bryan, Brett Bryan, Tim Nelson, Jake Nelson, Harrison Nelson, Patrick Nelson, Jason Nelson, and Martin Nelson.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to Hospice of Limestone County, First Methodist Church of Athens, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or a favorite charity.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to all the caregivers of Hospice of Limestone County, Limestone Health and Rehab Center, and Synthia Jones.
