JOSEPH FRANKLIN NELSON SR.
Joseph Franklin Nelson Sr., 74, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at his home.
Joe was born on Dec. 11, 1943, at home on Pollock Street in New Bern, North Carolina, to Edith Banks and Benjamin Harrison Nelson. He graduated from New Bern High School in 1962. Joe joined the U.S. Air Force after graduation. He graduated from the USAF SNCO Academy in Montgomery, Alabama. He served 27 years and retired as a senior master sergeant. He received his Bachelor of Science in Criminology from St. Leo College, after which he pursued a second career with the Sumter Department of Corrections. Joe was there for 17 years and retired as a captain. Joe loved his Lord, his country, and his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jesse Banks Nelson.
Joe is survived by his wife, Anne Coley Nelson; children, Tonjua Teague (Andy), Joseph Nelson Jr. and Dale Nelson; stepdaughter, Gigi Boyer; siblings, Benjamin H. Nelson Jr. (Mary), Carol N. Lewis, John David Nelson and Eva Mae Cagle (Frank); eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and one beloved canine companion, Sallie Faye.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at Cotten Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. prior to the service.
He will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe's name may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1463, New Bern, NC 28563.