It was so sad to hear Dr. Nelson leave us. I cannot believe it is true that he left us with out my saying Goodbye. I met you at different places, and never forget our meeting at our church-Nashville Chinese Baptist Church. Your service in Christ will encourage me  to continue your unfinished cause to preach gospels to many unbelievers in the world .
Thank you, Dr. Nelson! You will be missed for ever. I'll see you in Heaven where Jesus live.

I was introduced to Richard and Christine by a close friend about two decades ago when I discovered they were our neighbors. The first time I visited their home, a friend aptly commented that they had done with their home “what Cracker Barrel was trying to do.” From the moment I beheld what became (to me),  Richard’s “lending library,” I inserted myself into their family as a fixture,  I couldn’t help it.  Richard taught me early on that “LOVE” was spelled, C A R E.  This is exactly what they have done and still do for SO MANY others. (Everyone they care for feels they are the most Important, cherished people in their lives.) CARE is a defining crown that describes Richard and Christine’s poured out nature.  Unbiased, unrelenting, genuine CARE for seemingly everyone and anyone.
Richard helped me understand that “Time” is our most valuable commodity and the one thing that we can never reverse or get back. Though he was the busiest person ever, full of important, time sensitive projects, critical deadlines to meet, multitudes of people to help and situations to mitigate, I would have never known.  Because no matter why or when I called, he always gave me the sense that I was the most important thing he had going, the de facto, priority.  
He was and IS the most brilliant person I’ve ever known in so many areas, I can’t begin to enumerate here.  There could not exist a more diligent documentarian or a more earnest, tenacious, unrelenting workmen both in business and friendship. He embodied Col. 4:5-6, “…Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”  With the keenest perception, unfailing empathy, such acute sensitivity to the Lord’s anointing Spirit, he always knew what to say, how to respond, especially in times of great turmoil and need. I literally owe Richard and Christine my life (many times over) and yet I know, I am just one among countless others who feel the same.  Thank God for Eternity!



The news of Richard’s death saddened me greatly.  I met Richard and Christine on a trip to Turkey in May 2014.  They quickly became the informal “parents” of our small group, leading us through our touring, meeting with officials, and having dinner with Turkish families.  Richard and Christine embodied to me the Christian faith, two people of great generosity, extraordinary kindness, exceptional tolerance, and unselfish love.  They were a remarkable couple, and my heart breaks for Christine at the loss of her husband of more than 50 years,  But I have absolute confidence that the Lord greeted Richard with those words from Matthew’s gospel, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Me and my twin brother, Marty, grew up a block away from the Nelson home in Eaton, Colorado. Our dad died when we were just a few months old so mom needed someone to help raise us 'out of control' kids. This was the early sixties. She picked Richard, the only guy who was willing to help and able to control us. Richard taught us Bible and discipline. We were his first, of many, disciples.

Without Richard, we would have never made it. Today, many years later, we are both pastors of our own church. We are Bible teachers, worshipers and patriots.

A few years ago, Richard went to Israel with our group of intercessors and dancers. We were very blessed to have him with us. He got to meet many of our Jewish friends in Jerusalem and the settlements.

When it is time to get rewards in the Kingdom, the Lord will have to bring in some dump trucks for Richard. So many rewards.

May his memory be a blessing. Amen.   

Dr. Nelson was great brother and friend indeed. 
I have lots of memories that I can never forget about. When I came to Nashville in 2005 he was one of those dear saints who accepted me helped me beyond measure. He was also the instrument God used for me to go to graduate school and finished. Above all his humble spirit, his practical love for all the humanity amazing me. He was truly shown his love and faith practically. I miss him a lot but there is a great hope that we will meet again in our heavenly home.


Richard was my brother and mentor. He challenged me to be more like Jesus both in word and deed. I remember the first time we broke bread together was a Sunday after church. He had invited our family to go out to lunch with him and Christine. This was probably the 3rd time he had invited us. We had said no the previous times because our funds were tight, this time we said yes grudgingly.
That encounter changed my life and helped to form a love for people. Little did my wife and I know that Richard wanted to bless our family by paying for our meal.
That lunch started a friendship that has lasted more than 20 years. You will be missed my friend, thank you for representing Jesus so well. Love you!

OBITUARY

Dr. Richard A. Nelson

13 September, 1942 – 27 April, 2021

Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park

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