Robert E. Nelson Jr.

Colonel (Retired) Robert E. Nelson, Jr., 89, of Midland, Georgia died on January 3, 2019 in Athens, Georgia.
A memorial service will be held January 13, 2019 at 3:00, at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Columbus, Georgia with the Rev. Robert Beckum officiating. Visitation will precede the service at 2:00 in Stockwell Hall.
Col. Nelson was born October 14, 1929 in Eatonton, Georgia to the late Robert E. Nelson, Sr. and Julia Folsom Nelson.
Col. Nelson graduated from Eatonton High School in 1946 and North Georgia College in 1950. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. Infantry on March 15, 1950. He was initially assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning and went to Korea with Company C, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd ID. He was wounded 3 times and was evacuated back to the Army Hospital at Fort Benning where he spent 7 1/2 months in treatment and rehabilitation.
Col. Nelson subsequently served tours in Germany, France, Vietnam and Okinawa, Japan, plus many stateside assignments including a tour as an author/instructor at the Command and General Staff College. In his military career he held many command and staff assignments and received numerous awards and medals. He retired from the Army with 29 years of service. His last assignment was as the Assistant Commander at Fort Benning, GA.
After his military service, he attended Columbus State University where he graduated with a Masters of Education degree with honors.
He then went into the real estate appraisal business where he owned and operated AAA Appraisals, Inc. Health issues caused his retirement in December, 1995.
He was an active member of St. Luke Methodist Church and the Seekers Sunday School class.
Col. Nelson loved numismatics, reading, especially history, and writing. In recent years he devoted much of his time writing his autobiography, recording his very interesting life for the benefit of his family.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Helen. His is survived by his son John and his wife Brandi of Athens GA; son Mike and his wife Pat of Atlanta, GA; daughter Linda and her husband Jeremy of Edinburgh, Scotland; grandchildren Aelfred, Missy, Eugene (Hannah), Eva and Patrick; great grandchildren Lexie and Kieran; and many wonderful friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Luke Food Pantry, the St. Luke Music Fund or to Valley Rescue Mission.
Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com