Matthew Hollis Nelson

Born in Marietta, Georgia, on Dec. 3, 2013, Matthew’s non-stop, all-in approach to life meant there was never a dull moment. He was generous and caring and observant and gave the most incredible hugs. Matthew played hard and loved big. His spirit shone brightly through his deep love for Jesus, his unwavering devotion to his family, and his infectious enthusiasm for sports of all kinds.

A fourth grade student at Mt Bethel Christian Academy, Matthew previously attended Richards Christian Academy. He was a delightful lifelong member of East Cobb Church of Christ in Marietta where he spent 9 years being loved on by everyone there and was taught volumes about God’s love from his beloved Ms. Evelyn and Mr. Chuck. Matthew loved church and took “church” with him when he left the building. He wasn’t afraid to share his love for Jesus with anyone he encountered.

At just 9 years old, he had already accomplished so much. He was active in Cub Scouts where he had just earned his Bear rank and was about to become a Webelo. The yearly Pinewood Derby was one his favorite days and he loved the trophies/awards he received there almost as much as the hours of bonding with his dad while designing the cars. He absolutely loved sports and over the years was on a total of 3 football teams, 5 basketball teams, and 12 baseball teams. He made the Cobb County All Star football team two seasons in a row, won multiple baseball tournaments and collected a bucket full of game balls and accolades. He was most proud of going undefeated in the Dizzy Dean World Series in Mississippi with his 8U East Side Thunder team last year. Being in the newspaper and having his name on a permanent sign at his baseball field was the highlight of his year. In his nonexistent spare time he loved art projects, learned to be a great snow skier and also set a personal record of 2,653 consecutive pogo stick jumps in his determined attempt to get a Guinness World Record.

We will treasure our many memories of him hitting dingers out of the ballpark, fishing, tubing and playing games with his brothers at the lake, snuggling his dog, taking his cat for a hoverboard ride and making everyone around him marvel at his tirelessness. His energy was matched only by his endless curiosity. He kept his loved ones laughing with constant, never ending questions like “Where did Noah’s ark land, and can I go see it right now?” and “How old are we in dog years?”

Matthew exemplified the philosophy of ‘go big or go home’. He went big every day of his life, and now he has gone home to our Lord. Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in our faith that we will see him again in Heaven.

Matthew was preceded in death by grandfathers James Fitzgerald and Lee Nelson. In addition to his parents and brothers, he is survived by his grandparents Patricia and Don Smith, Bonnie Fitzgerald, aunt Stacy Austin (Aaron), uncle Mike Nelson (Bea) and cousins Shannon, Alyssa, Nicholas and Kaitlyn Austin and Lee and Nico Nelson. He is also survived by his beloved dog Molly and cherished cat Max. There is no counting the number of teachers, coaches, mentors, scout leaders, adoring friends and devoted teammates left behind to mourn him.

Arrangements have been carefully and lovingly handled by Lakeside Funeral Home in Woodstock. A Celebration of Life (with reception to follow) will be held Aug.19 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Bethel Church, 4385 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. Huston Oliver, pastor of East Cobb Church of Christ, will preside. As Matthew will be laid to rest in his favorite baseball uniform, children are encouraged to attend wearing their full uniform representing their connection to Matthew (scout, sports, school, etc). There will be a private viewing on the evening of Aug.17 at Lakeside and a private family burial on Aug. 20.

While plans are finalized for a future scholarship in Matthew’s name, donations in his honor to Atlanta Inner-city Ministry (AIM), which the children at Matthew’s church are actively involved in, are appreciated. http://eastcobbcoc.org/give There will be a “Matthew” fund available for donations to AIM.

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