Robert Wayne Nelson

Robert Wayne Nelson, 69, died at his home in DeWitt on December 27, 2011 after a short illness. He was the son of Jonce and Frances Ambrose Nelson who pre-deceased him. His beloved Grandmother, Ruby Wegner died in 2009 at the age of 102. He is survived by his wife, Patricia "Patsey" Pike Nelson, two step-children, Melissa Campbell and Kenneth Edwards of New Market, Ala., four children: Rhonda, Shelia, Edria and Wayne, Jr.; two brothers: Ricky Nelson and Roland (Alice) Nelson of Alabama; sisters-in-law: Betty Dike of DeWitt and Amelia "Mickey" Pike Eddlemon of Memphis, Alfie Pike, Marsha Pike and brothers-in-law; Wm. "Bud" Pike, Russell Dike of DeWitt. He is also survived by his uncle, Elwyn Lackey and his former father-in-law, James Whitehead of Alabama, both of whom were very important and encouraging to him throughout his life. His first wife, Sandy Whitehead Nelson and her mother, Doris Whitehead pre-deceased him as did his mother-in-law, Hazel Pike. He is also survived by a host of good friends and extended family in DeWitt. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, graduated from high school and attended college there before joining the U.S. Navy to serve his country. He served four years in the navy, mostly as a Captain on a ship in the Pacific. He was a commercial pilot and flew mostly private planes for George Wallace, "Bear" Bryant and top corporate CEO's, lawyers, judges, etc. He loved flying. Wayne was an avid Auburn fan. He loved the water and boating and lived for a number of years on houseboats on the Tennessee River and docked at the Goose Pond Marine in Scottsboro, Alabama and Midway Marina in Fulton, Miss. He still owned his last boat christened "Final Approach". He loved to decorate the boat and participate in the "Parade of Lights' and other regatta competitions and was a frequent winner. He and Patsey moved to DeWitt in 2004 and opened Patsey's Flower and Gift Shop on Second Street a year later and he became an expert quilter. They joined McAdams Road Church. He was hesitant about moving to a small town at first, but made many friends and participated in community activities and DeWitt became home. Now, he's winging his way on that last flight as friends and family wave goodbye to this good man. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at McAdams Road Church with burial at Forks LaGrue Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the church one half hour before the service (10 a.m.).