Gilbert Holmes Nelson Sr.
Aug. 31, 1932 – Oct. 22, 2015

Gilbert Holmes Nelson Sr. died 22 October 2015 at his home in New Bern.

Gilbert was born on August 31, 1932 in Washington, Beaufort County, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents: Flossie Belle Randolph Nelson and William David “W.D.” Nelson; brothers: William Earl “Bill” Nelson and George Franklin Nelson; and two sisters: Lula Nelson and Alma Dean Nelson Banks. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Gean Gray Caton Nelson; three sons: Terry Dean Nelson and wife, Kathy, Gregory Nelson and wife Gail, and Gilbert Holmes Nelson Jr., and wife Karen; three granddaughters: Caroline Holmes Nelso, Reeves Nelson Gillis and Kathryn Thorne Nelson; one step-grandson Benjamin Murray; two step-great granddaughters: Raven and Madison Murray; and one sister, Doris Nelson Couch of Hazard, Kentucky.

Gilbert Holmes Nelson Sr. was a Veteran of the United States Army. He served during the Korean War as a Military Policeman, being top secret cleared, at a top-secret location. After his military service, Gilbert returned to Beaufort County, married on August 21, 1955, and became employed at Nation Spinning Company, Inc. for twenty-nine years with various job titles. In 1987 Gilbert was employed by Amital Spinning Corp. of New Bern. He and his family relocated from Washington, North Carolina, to Craven County in 1989.

Gilbert is remembered by his high school and college classmates as being an outstanding football player.  Gilbert was offered eleven football scholarships and nine baseball scholarships by various college recruiters. Sports remained a major interest and pastime throughout his life. He participated in softball games during the summers for many years. He also enjoyed working with wood, being handy with carpenter’s tools.

Gilbert and his wife are members of First Baptist Church of New Bern.

The family will receive friends at Pollock-Best Funeral Home on Saturday, October 31 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Online condolences may be directed to www.pollockbest.com.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations.