Harold Nelson

Walter Harold Nelson, age 95, of Birmingham, AL, passed away February 3, 2018. He was born April 15, 1922 to Walter and Sarah Davis Nelson in Talladega Co., AL. He lived in Gantts Quarry, AL until his family bought a dairy farm at Stewartville in Coosa County.

Following graduation from Sylacauga High School, he served in the Army Air Force. Trained as a mechanic, he served as a clerical aide to officers, mostly at Miami, FL. As a veteran of WWII, he was a member of the American Legion Post 43.

After the war, he returned to Stewartville, AL and became a marble setter and married Ethel Dupriest from Marble Valley. After Ethel's death, he married Ava Cooper of Birmingham. Her sons, Mitch, Jeff, Danny, and Van Cooper and their families were family to him.

Harold and Ava enjoyed many years together - traveling, cruising, and enjoying their lake house. He was a devoted husband and tended her well in her declining days.

Harold had a cattle farm in Marble Valley and he enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Harold was a member of Huffman United Methodist Church and attended Sunday school. He enjoyed playing chicken scratch and hand and foot with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Sarah Nelson; sister, Marise Nelson Dockins; brother William (Billy) Nelson; wives, Ethel Dupriest Nelson and Ava F. Cooper Nelson.

He is survived by Ava's extended family, one nephew and three nieces, and 5 cousins.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 8 from 10 - 11 am at Ridout's Trussville Chapel. The service will begin at 11 am in the chapel with Rev. Ed Sims and nephew Steve Nelson officiating. Burial will be at Marble Valley Cemetery following a reception at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Huffman United Methodist Church, 711 Gene Reed Rd, Birmingham, AL 35235.