Merle Nelson Sr.

Visitation will be 10:00-11:00am, Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am in the funeral home chapel with interment in the Florence City Cemetery.

Merle was a member of First Baptist Church of Florence. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Merle served in France and Africa during WWII. He retired in 1983 from the City of Florence where he served as maintenance supervisor for many years. His hobbies included woodworking and fishing.

Merle owned and operated L and M Saddle Shop in Florence and Jackson. A gifted craftsman, he won numerous contests and art exhibits with his leather work. Willing to share his knowledge, Merle accepted the invitation to teach leather work at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. Widely known as the best leather craftsman in the Southeastern United States, Merle was once commissioned to create a leather headdress for an elephant at the Jackson Zoo.

Merle will best remembered for his strong work ethic, a legacy he passed on to his beloved family.

Survivors include his sons, Richard Wayne Nelson, Gregory Lane Nelson, and Merle Nelson, Jr. (Kathy); sister, Joyce Williams; 8 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Carolyn Nelson; son, Kenny Nelson; and grandsons, Ricky, Greg, and Chris Nelson.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff of Camellia Hospice for their loving care and support.

Memorials may be made to The Mustard Seed at www.mustardseedinc.org.