Allen Francis Nelson

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Allen Francis Nelson, lovingly known as Daddy, Buddy, Papa, and Dear Brother. Born on October 4, 1937, in Beaufort, NC, he passed away at the age of 87 on February 13, 2025, in La Plata, MD, due to natural causes.

Allen was raised in the idyllic coastal village of Atlantic, North Carolina, a place he fondly described as "a perfect little hamlet on the banks of Core Sound". It was here that he developed the values and strength of character that would guide him throughout his life, and here that he will be laid to rest alongside his father, brother, and beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Jane (Moon) Nelson. Also preceding him in death were his eldest son, Allen F. Nelson III, and his second son, Joseph Mark Nelson.

A man of dedication and service, Allen’s career was marked by significant contributions to various fields. He served in the United States Coast Guard aboard the USCGC Chilula and the Conifer, the U.S. Treasury in Law Enforcement & Criminal Investigations, and the United States Secret Service where he guarded presidents and dignitaries alike. He transitioned into the civilian sector with the RCA Corporation and later focused on tax preparation and accounting.

In 1965, Allen embarked on a spiritual journey that became the cornerstone of his life. After experiencing the tragic loss of his father and young brother, he sought understanding of God and discovered that God's name is Jehovah. With the guidance of many Bible Students and Jehovah's Witnesses, Allen became a voracious reader and diligent student of the Bible. Embracing his newfound faith, he transformed his life from carrying sidearms to carrying a Bible, dedicating over 60 years to reading, studying, and teaching God’s Word. Being known as “one of Jehovah’s Witnesses” and developing a loving relationship with Jehovah God became his most cherished accomplishment. His commitment to serving God was his utmost priority, and anyone who knew Allen knew that his zeal for the Bible was solid and unshakable. He passed away happy in the knowledge that he did his best to serve God faithfully, right up to the end.

Allen is survived by his brother, Oscar L. Jones, and Oscar’s children, Cappie and Richard; his sister-in-law, Mary Jo Quinn, her husband, David SR, and their son, David JR, his wife Greta, and their children, David Shepard and Charlie; and his devoted children: Christy Daniel and her husband, Doug, of Waldorf, MD; Stephen Nelson and his wife, Veronica, of Wilmington, DE; Dale Nelson and his fiancée, Telena, of Atlantic Beach, NC; and his oldest grandson, Jonathan Nelson, whom he raised from infancy and considered his son, along with his wife, Page, of Los Lunas, NM.

Allen is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Michael La Fon, his wife, Terri, and their children, Josh and Evan; Tanya Snyder, her husband, Mark, and their daughter, Bentley Faye; Colton Nelson; Wesley Willis; Jeremy Nelson; Tyler Nelson; Nigel Daniel, his wife, Caren, and their children, Theodore and Clarence; Allison Bowman, her husband, Carl, and their children, Tristan, Elliott, and David; Jesse Daniel, his fiancée, Mollie, and their dog, Ramona; Millicent Boan, her husband, Aaron, and their children, Abel, Amon, Asher, and Ayla Jane; John W. D. Nelson, his wife, Tara, and their son, John Patrick; Chase Nelson; Chelsea Nelson; Allyssa Nelson; and "AJ" Allen Joseph Nelson.

While services for Allen will be announced at a later date, his memory and the love he shared will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Allen Francis Nelson leaves behind a legacy of faith and devotion that will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.