Stanley Nelson Cato

Stanley "Nelson" Cato, aged 67, from Little River, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on October 7, 2023. Born in Monroe, North Carolina on May 27, 1956, he was the cherished son of Margie Cato and the late Ferris Cato.

Nelson leaves behind his devoted wife of 16 years, Sherri Jackson Cato; daughters Lauren Lancaster (Kevin) and Michelle Cato-Stolpen (Hamilton); step-daughter Courtney Adams-Perkins (Chris); sister Barbara Knight (Paul); grandchildren Noah, Emma, and Liam Blackwell; mother-in-law, Eloise Tyler Jackson; brother-in-law, Ken Jackson (Debbie) and niece, Emily (Luke) Richardson, nephews Garth Knight, Garret Knight and Tyler Jackson.

A devout Christian and member of the Living Water Baptist Church, Nelson's profound love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was evident. His life was anchored in faith, family, and friendships. Beyond his spiritual commitments, Nelson had a keen passion for fishing, golfing, and cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks football team.

During his 42-year professional journey, Nelson was deeply involved in golf course developments and bentgrass management. In high school and during his early college years at Western Carolina, he worked at various golf courses. While pursuing a degree in business administration and management at Western Carolina, he discovered his true passion lay in golf. Consequently, he enrolled at Horry-Georgetown Technical College to chase his dream career.

In 1978, Nelson began his professional journey as an assistant superintendent at Wildewood Country Club in Columbia, South Carolina. After two years, he transitioned to Forest Lake Club. Later, he moved to Midland Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, South Carolina, taking on the role of golf course superintendent. He devoted himself there until 1992.

Subsequently, Nelson joined Grandover Golf Resort in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he constructed two golf courses. He then moved to Ballantyne Resort in Charlotte, overseeing significant projects. His journey then led him to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he managed World Tour Golf Links. After a fulfilling five years there, he accepted a role as the sales territory manager at Vereen’s Turf Center, where he remained for the last decade.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 PM on October 9, 2023 at Living Water Baptist Church, located at 1569 Highway 9 East, Longs, South Carolina 29568. A visitation period will be observed from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM before the service. The burial will take place at North Myrtle Beach Memorial Gardens in Little River, South Carolina, immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for memorial contributions be made in Nelson’s honor to the Living Water Baptist Church Building Fund, at the aforementioned address.

Lee Funeral Home and Crematory of Little River has the privilege of serving the Cato family.