Tom L. Nelson

October 29, 1944 – March 21, 2022

Tom Lee Nelson was born October 29, 1944, in Forest, Mississippi to Addie Lee Scott. While still a toddler, Addie and Tom moved to Lima, OH. From his mother, he learned the importance of 3 things that would help shape his life – faith, education, family.

He accompanied his mother to church every Sunday, serving as an usher in his early teens. Tom accepted Christ, was Baptized at an early age. Tom loved school, learning and read everything, including the encyclopedia, a trait he continued as an adult. He was always willing to share his knowledge, experiences and advice with whomever needed his help.

After graduating from Lima High at age 17, Tom moved to Mountain View, CA where he’d spent summers with his father. He enrolled in Foothill College, taking a break to join the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1968. In 1965 Tom married Emma Jean Haywood. The following year he joined the proud Fatherhood club with the birth of his son, Bryan Keith and in 1969 a daughter, Tamara Camille.

Tom joined IBM Corporation in 1970. Never forgetting the importance of education, he worked during the day, attended school in the evenings, earning his degree at UC Santa Barbara. He spent 30 years at IBM breaking barriers (the first African American promoted to First Line Manager at IBM in Atlanta) and rising thru the ranks of executive management. He received several awards for his leadership including National Manager of the year recognition. While at IBM, Tom met Cynthia Jean Jarrett and they were married in 1985. Tom retired from IBM in 2000 and they moved from Atlanta to Las Vegas in 2006.

When his 92-year-old mother became ill, he moved her to Las Vegas to care for her until she was called home in 2019. The day after her passing, Tom was diagnosed with cancer, the beginning of a hard-fought battle. Tom expressed many times that he was not afraid and was at peace with the inevitable. On Monday, March 21, 2022, he crossed over.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a wife of 36 years, Cynthia. His daughter, Tamara Huggins (Richard). Six grandchildren – Cortney Nelson, Brandon Nelson, Kristin Johnson (Devonaire), Kiera Huggins, Kaela Nelson and Kya Huggins. Three great-grandchildren – Devyn Johnson, Daxton Johnson and Noble Campbell. In-laws Joe and Frances Williams, Sherry and Calvin Moore, Debbie and Lloyd Speese, Joe Williams. A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his mother Addie L. Huston, his brother Melvin Huston and son Bryan Nelson.

A visitation for Tom will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Palm Northwest Mortuary, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 12:00 PM, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131. A committal service will occur Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Palm Northwest Cemetery, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131.

Tom will be laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery, 6701 N. Jones Blvd. , Las Vegas, Nevada 89131; Garden of Mountain View .

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmnorthwest.com for the Nelson family.