Lawrence Nelson Sr.

Lawrence Nelson, Sr. was born on October 14, 1942, at home in Bradley, Arkansas, to M.J. Nelson I and Lucille (Still) Nelson. He also lived in Louisiana, Arizona, California, and North Carolina. He was the fourth born out of seven children. In his childhood, Lawrence excelled in marble competitions. His accuracy and natural hand-eye coordination would prove to be an asset as a Marine Corps Sergeant. In 1953, his parents relocated the family to San Diego, California. While in San Diego, Lawrence attended San Diego High School and later studied business at City College.

In 1960, Lawrence met the love of his life, Ophelia Hempstead, known to all as Peggy. Soon after meeting Peggy, Lawrence served with the National Guard from 1962 - 1964 and the Marine Corps from 1964 - 1968. He served in the Vietnam War from 1964 - 1965 in the 1st Battalion, 3rd Division, D Company.

After returning from Vietnam, Lawrence and Peggy married on October 30, 1965. Lawrence continued his Marine Corps career as a Drill Instructor from 1966 - 1968 preparing young recruits for military service. Lawrence and Peggy were blessed to have two amazing sons. In 1966, they welcomed their son Lawrence Nelson, Jr. and in 1968 their son M.J. Nelson II.

After serving his country, Lawrence started a career in construction masonry. In 1977, Lawrence and Peggy moved their family to Simi Valley, California where Lawrence continued to work in construction. He also invested his time in coaching Little League Baseball for his sons and young aspiring baseball players. Under Lawrence's coaching for two teams of Santa Susana Knolls, he brought the Red Sox to 2 Little League Championships and the Senior Tigers to 2 Little League Championships and 1 District 40 Championship. Lawrence's coaching and mentoring taught players discipline, respect, and teamwork. Many of the players continued to stay in contact with Lawrence throughout the years.

During Lawrence’s time in Simi Valley, California, he served as a Sunday School Superintendent at Simi Valley Second Missionary Baptist Church. He loved Sunday School and lending a hand around the church.

In 1990, Lawrence and Peggy relocated to North Carolina where Lawrence worked for Dudley Products, and eventually he worked for Larson Storm Doors until retirement. Lawrence enjoyed watching cowboy shows from old westerns, golfing, attending the Marine Corps reunions, traveling to Cherokee, NC, and other parts of the United States to visit family and friends. Lawrence was blessed to be born in the comfort of his parents’ home and passed away in the comfort of his home in High Point, North Carolina on December 13, 2023. Lawrence Nelson, Sr. is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.

Lawrence Nelson Sr. is survived by two sons, Lawrence Nelson, Jr. and wife Trenny Nelson of Greensboro, NC. M.J. Nelson II and wife Mary Alice (Alie) Nelson of High Point, NC; two sisters, Glenda Parrish of San Diego, CA and Allean Gill of Yuma, AZ; four grandchildren, Hannah Pinkston and husband Brad Pinkston, Amanda Nelson, M.J. Nelson II and wife Lauren Nelson and Serena Nelson; four great grandchildren, Everett Pinkston, Thomas Pinkston, Kennedy Nelson, and Tigan Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, M.J. Nelson I and Lucille Nelson, two brothers and two sisters, John L. Nelson, Mike Nelson, Hazel Caldwell, and Estella Jones.

Graveside services with Military Honors presented by the Randolph County Honor Guard will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday January 13, 2024 at Guilford Memorial Park with the Reverend Dr. Chad Grayson officiating.