Richard "Rick" Lloyd Nelson Jr.

He graduated from McGill High School in 1962, and matriculated to the University of South Alabama in 1963, where he was a member of its first graduating class and the first Student Government Association president. While at South Alabama, Rick helped found the inaugural chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and served as its first president. After earning his degree in biochemistry, he went on to earn a Master’s of Counseling and Instructional Sciences.

Rick then used his knowledge and experience to guide new students through USA’s halls as Assistant to the Dean of Students for 12 years. His time and accomplishments at South Alabama were a source of pride and honor throughout his life. He would go on to a career in finance, continuing to help others by providing families with safety and security throughout their lives. Rick also served in the United States Army Reserve as an intelligence officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring after 25 years.

Rick spent a quarter century bringing joy to the streets of Mobile as a member of a Mardi Gras society, and in his retirement volunteered at Mobile Infirmary.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures of gardening, spending time with his grandchildren, reading voraciously, and dominating in crosswords and trivia. He was a master at telling jokes, and when he was on a roll, could light up any room.

He is preceded in the Kingdom of Heaven by his parents, Richard Lloyd Nelson, Sr. and Ann Tyrrell Nelson, and his sister, Alice Nelson O’Brien.

He is survived by his wife Christie Briggs Nelson, his brother Gerald (Linda) Nelson of Birmingham, AL, and his children: Kelley (Greg) Rideout of Little Rock, AR; Christine (Chris) Conken of Mobile; Scott Nelson of Austin, TX, Andrea Russell of Rosemary Beach, FL, and Kellye Brown of Mobile. His love, devotion, admiration, and pride will always remain with his nine grandchildren: Kate and Carter Rideout; Will, Ben, and Molly Conken; and Meagan, Jacob, Josh, and Grace Brown.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday, July 28, from 10am-11am at Corpus Christi Parish, 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile. A funeral mass will follow, and light hors d'oeuvres will be served after the service. Interment will be held at Pine Crest Cemetery at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, Rick requested that donations be made to Little Sisters of the Poor or St. Jude’s Hospital.