Franklin "Frank" Nelson

Franklin "Frank" Nelson, age 75, a resident of South High Street in Columbia, passed away on Sunday, March 14, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services for Mr. Nelson will be conducted Thursday at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Williams Funeral Home in Columbia with Rev. Ronnie Parrish, Rev. John Rushing and Bro. James Edwards officiating. Entombment will follow in the Polk Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 5:00 – 9:00 P.M. and on Wednesday from 4:00 – 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

The Maury Coutny native was born July 31, 1934, the son of the late William "Fats" Nelson and Georgie McKee Nelson. Frank was the husband of Margie Ann South Nelson of Columbia. He was the retired co-owner, with his son, Glen, of Frank's Bait Shop in Riverside. In addition to being co-owner of Frank's Bait Shop, he owned and operated several other businesses in Columbia including Jack's Party Pack, pool rooms and ice cream parlors, owner of the Snack Bar at the Bowling Alley and Frank's Cafe off the Square.

As busy as Frank was with all of his businesses, he always took the time to spend with the love his life, Margie for 47 years. Mr. Frank cherished the time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Frank was well known throughout Columbia for his famous barbecue recipe which he passed down to his daughter, Donna.

After living many years without a relationship with Jesus, one day while sitting on his front porch God sent a man named Bro. John Rushing along. Bro. John told him about a man who loved him so much that He gave his life for him and that very day Frank Nelson accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and found the greatest love of his soul. On Sunday evening Frank got to meet that Savior face to face. Frank was a member of the Colonial Meadows Church for Christ.

Survivors in addition to his wife Margie include his children: Glen Kristin Orr Nelson, Donna Kaye Billy Manier Crigger, Ricky Joy Nelson and Frankie Hippie Nelson, all of Columbia; two sisters: Norma Doug Graham and Linda Pete Sisco, both of Nashville; one brother: Carl Elizabeth Nelson of Nashville; grandchildren: Kayla Rodney DeWire, Wesley Crigger, Kristen Rodney Benderman, Brandy Jonathan Norman, Scotty Brandi Nelson, Michael Skipper, andJamie Dan Jones; great-grandchildren: Kaylee Marie Nichols, Devon Nelson, Daniel and Lexie Jones; brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Carter South, Roger and Patty South, Lonnie B. South, Wanda Brooks and Oscar Bradford, all of Columbia; several nieces and nephews; special friends: Billy Crigger and Carol Nelson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nina McMillan Nelson and infant son, David in 1961; brothers: James and Charles Nelson; sisters-in-law: Earline Wilson, Judy Bradford and Mary Frances South.

Pallbearers will be Wesley Crigger, Rodney DeWire, Jonathan Norman, Billy Crigger, Danny Brooks, and Terry Brooks. Honorary pallbearers will be his fishing buddies throughout the years and very special friends Bro. John Rushing, Bicycle Joe, Jimmy Rowland, George Kittrell and Doug Parrish.