Charles "Larry" Lawrence Nelson

Charles “Larry” Lawrence Nelson, 78, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer — on his own terms, following a final week filled with birthday celebrations, visitors, the warmest hugs, plum wine, and one last perfectly-timed joke.

Larry was the beloved husband of the late Ellen Louise Nelson, whom he loved deeply and faithfully. Together they built a family that became his greatest pride and his life’s true treasure.

He proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam era — a stroke of providence that he credited to a lucky accident and his lifelong love of working with dogs. While overseas, he embraced every opportunity to see the world. He was especially moved to make a religious pilgrimage to Lourdes, France — a trip that meant a great deal to him — and he delighted in visiting London and Paris, carrying those memories for the rest of his life. He served with quiet pride and always appreciated the adventure that took him far beyond home.

After returning home, Larry worked in the coke ovens at Bethlehem Steel — a tough, demanding job that reflected his resilience and work ethic. He understood hard work, showed up every day, and provided steadily for his family.

Retirement did not slow him down. Instead, he opened a lawn service — not so much because he needed something to do, but because it gave him an excuse to meet people. Customers rarely stayed just customers for long; they became part of his expanding circle of friends. If you hired Larry to cut your grass, chances are you also got a story, a joke, and possibly a long-term friendship.

Larry believed life should be experienced fully. In later years, he embraced adventure and travel, proudly checking off bucket-list destinations alongside his daughter — many of which they had planned for decades. Together they explored Hawaii, Scotland, Egypt, India, Italy, Croatia, and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, creating stories and memories that will live on in family lore. He inspired the destinations, set the tone for the adventure, and never missed an opportunity to turn a trip into a memory worth retelling.

He was a devoted father to Ron McBee Jr. (Brenda), Kelly McCarthy (Norm), Amy Rotzal (James), Tammy Nelson (Rey Miguel), and Jim McBee (Julie). He was a proud grandfather to Lindsay (Mitch), Katelyn, Samantha (Paul), Norman Jr. (Samantha), Andrew (Izzy), Alexandra, Cameron, Ryan, Aaron, Brandon, and Christopher — and an adored great-grandfather to Mia, Grace, Kayden, Liam, Paislee, Evie, Everett, Jeremiah, and Esther. Each one held a special place in his heart, and he never missed a chance to brag about them.

Larry was one of twelve children — yes, twelve — born into a lively, loving family where one-pot meals fed an army and togetherness mattered more than square footage. As the youngest, he would be the first to admit he was thoroughly spoiled and treated as the favorite. He carried that birthright confidently for the rest of his life.

He was a dear brother to Neoma (Oliver), Joseph (Jane), George (Evelyn), Claude (Sue), Barbara (Joe), Wilbert (Charlotte), Harry (Shirley), Wayne (Fran), Mary Agnes (Richard), Cathy (Bobby), and Jimmy (Sandy), and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Larry had eclectic taste and a collector’s spirit. His home was filled with unique treasures gathered from travels, estate sales, and far-off corners of the world — woodcarvings, dragons, cacti he nurtured proudly, and his favorite possession — the rosary his mother gave him. Every item had a story. Every story had a smile.

He was fiercely independent, deeply faithful, quick with a joke, and rarely met a stranger. He loved good conversation, good company, and if you found something pretty, he believed you should just go ahead and call it “Larry.”

He was a cherished friend to Carol, Chris Nelson, and Mary Nelson Kellogg — and Buzz says to be sure we mention that he was Larry’s “life partner.” One last joke for the road.

A visitation will be held at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air, Inc., 610 W. MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD 21014, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 3–5 PM and 7–9 PM.

A funeral service will be held at the same location on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS), a cause close to his heart (https://www.barcs.org/donate).

Larry’s final lesson to all of us was simple: fill your house with things that make you smile, fill your table with people you love, and never miss a chance to travel.

Though he is no longer physically with us, his stories, his faith, his laughter, and his unmistakable presence will live on in every gathering, every adventure, and every well-timed joke. He will always be part of this family — and in his own words, “As it should be.”