Ellis Nelson

Born July 13, 1943, in Lugoff, South Carolina, he was the third child of the late George Nelson and the late Annie Bell Nelson. He attended and graduated from Jackson High School in Camden, SC in 1963.

Following graduation from high school, Ellis attended Denmark Technical College where he received his associate degree. He began his career at Morrison Training School in Hoffman, NC for three years as a counselor before moving to Charlotte, NC to continue his career with the General Tire Company, where he worked as a chemical compounder and served as a successful and well-respected colleague for 31 years until he retired in September of 1999.

Ellis was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. Outside of work, he served as president and active member of the Denmark Technical College Alumni Association and was instrumental in working with South Carolina State Commissioners and State Representatives to keep his Alma Marta open when lack of state funding threatened to close its doors for good.

In every walk of his life Ellis spent his time building his community and pouring himself into those who were close to him and anyone who needed his help, advice, or guidance. His family and friends remember Ellis as a man who sought to create the environment for others to thrive, no matter what their situation.

Ellis was a lifelong member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, in Charlotte, and over his 52 years of membership he served in capacities including: Boy Scout Den Father, member of the Finance Committee Ministry and member of the United Methodist Men’s Ministry. His friends fondly remember his commitment to both his church and his church family.

He is survived by his wife Janet Nelson and their children: Ellis’ sons, Travis Leggett, Sean Ellis Nelson and Kenyatte Nelson; Janet’s son, Bishop Wade H. Ferguson III and Janet’s daughter, Tammy F. Blackmon; Ellis’ sister, Rena Nelson; Ellis’ ten grandchildren - including Janet’s five grandchildren; Ellis’ eight great grandchildren - including Janet’s seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Georgia Nelson, his grandchildren, Jadarren Leggett and Jaquan Leggett, and his first wife, Rosalee Wright Nelson.

A service to celebrate Ellis’ life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

The day will commence with a viewing at 11:00 am EST, providing an opportunity for friends and family to come together in remembrance and reflection. Following this, a heartfelt funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, located at 917 Clanton Road in Charlotte NC, with Reverend Aldana Allen officiating.

Interment will follow at Crown Memorial Park, located at 9620 Rodney St., Pineville, NC 28134.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Denmark Technical College National Alumni Association (P.O. Box 327, Denmark, South Carolina 29042-0327), in memory of Mr. Ellis Nelson.

McEwen Funeral Service - Pineville Chapel at 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, is assisting the Nelson family.

Please visit www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com to leave a condolence message.