John Sterling Diggs Nelson Jr.

Sterling attended Ravenscroft Elementary, Daniels Junior High and Broughton High School. As a young man he mastered many musical instruments including the saxophone, drums, and bassoon, and was a member of the Broughton Marching 100, that was asked to perform at the World's Fair. He was also a member of the Broughton Symphonic Orchestra. During the summers, he attended Camp Seagull, where he learned the art of sailing, which he enjoyed in later years with his father on Kerr Lake.

During his college years at Appalachian State, he enjoyed bluegrass music playing the banjo and guitar and at one time, he had the opportunity to play with the late Doc Watson. He had a love for the Highlands and appreciated the music and traditions that was a part of that culture. He graduated from Appalachian State with a Masters in History and completed coursework towards a Doctorate in History.

In Raleigh, Sterling enjoyed working for the State Employees Credit Union for many years in the area of finance and computers. He held those he worked with in high regard and often referred to them as a family away from home.

Sterling had friends across the globe that he met through his love of collecting historical memorabilia and through international conventions that he attended with fellow collectors. Few men were his equal in his ability to make friends. He had a generous soul and was fiercely loyal to his friends. He always looked forward to spending time telling a yarn while enjoying a fine cigar.

Family was of great importance to Sterling, he loved seeing his son and his family in Hendersonville and visited them often. He often spoke affectionately of his granddaughter and always prized the time he got to spend with her.

Sterling Nelson was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his son John Sterling Diggs Nelson, III and his wife Laura Michelle and their daughter Jasmine Lillian and one sister Jayne Aycock Nelson.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 16, at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . Condolences and memories can be shared at www.brownwynne.com. Brown Wynne Funeral Home.