W.D. Nelson

On Monday, July 22, 2019, W.D. Nelson, loving husband, father, uncle and "Big Daddy" as he was affectionately known to his grandkids, returned to his heavenly home at the age of 88 years old. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported his peaceful journey home.

Nelson was born June 5, 1931 in Coahoma, Mississippi to Ollie Nelson and Odie Lee Walker. He was the oldest of three siblings, Norma Lee and Earl Joe. Throughout his teenage years, he discovered an interest in learning the mechanics of how things work. As a young adult, his journey lead to the Midwest in which he served as an honorable member of the Army of the United States of America until 1953. On July 9,1959, he married the love of his life and best friend, Cora Evelyn Blaine. Through their commitment to each other, they raised two beautiful daughters, Pamela and Enid.

From the beginning, Nelson anchored his life and family in God. He humbly served the Lord with thanksgiving in his heart and took great honor in his roles as Trustee and deacon for over 55 years at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Nelson was an entrepreneur as co-owner and operator of one of Indy's few African-American owned cab companies which combined both his passion for people and service. After more than 25 years of dedicated service, he retired from Daimler Chrysler as a proud member of the United Auto Workers union.

In his spare time, Nelson enjoyed tinkering in his garage to work on cars and bicycles for kids in the neighborhood. He also enjoyed fishing and most of all taking summer trips to his hometown in Mississippi. He was a kind, loving "gentle giant" who would always make time to be of service to others.

Nelson is survived by his daughters Pamela Y. Stansberry and Enid K. Bennette; his grandchildren Isaiah J. Stansberry (Allison), Zachary J. B. Stansberry, Dameon A. Bennette, Jennifer D. Stansberry, and Andrea E. Bennette; his great grandchildren, Jasmine, Tael'r, Blaine, Cydney, Darius, Ceven, Catie, and Cameya; his nephews Garnett, Michael, Brian, Earl Joe, Jr., and Daryl; his nieces Frankie, Cheryl, Mel, and Vanessa. He is preceded in death by his wife, Cora, parents Ollie and Odie Lee, siblings, Norma Lee and Earl Joe, Sr., grandson, Jeremy, and great-grandson, Jeramee.