Benjamin Harrison Nelson III

Benjamin Harrison Nelson III, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, to be with his beloved wife. He was born on September 27, 1937, in New Bern, North Carolina, to Edith and Benjamin Harrison Nelson Jr.

He was a High School graduate of 1956. He joined the National Guard after high school. He then served 22 years in the United States Air Force, as rank of Tech Sergeant. While serving he deployed to Okinawa Japan and Aleutian Chain Alaska. Ben also worked for Moen for several years.

On June 25, 1959, he married the love of his life, Mary Francis Harrell Nelson (1941-2022) in New Bern, NC. Together they raised five children, while stationed in Alaska, Florida, and making New Bern their home. While in Alaska, he survived the Great Alaskan Earthquake on Good Friday, 1964.

Benjamin, also known as Benny and Grand, was a dedicated husband, father and friend. He played football for New Bern High School Bears, was a tenor in the choir and altar boy at Episcopal Church in New Bern. He enjoyed fishing, watching his favorite football team “Green Bay Packers” and hanging out with his many pet golden lab’s over the years, Ali being his last sidekick. He was a valued employee at Moen where he worked in maintenance.

Benjamin is survived by his 5 children, Edith Powell (Dave), Ben Nelson IV (Michelle), David Nelson (Martha), Lori Thomas and Danny Nelson; 8 grandchildren, Joshua (Fei), Jared, Jordan (Adrienne), Jessi, Ben V, Brooke (Lance), Tyler (Michelle), Katlyn (Zac); 9 great-grandchildren, Robert, Angela, Adam, Lailen, Antonio, Landen, Wyatt, Chandler, Abi; 2 sisters, Eva Mae Cagle, Carol Ann Lewis, 1 brother, John David Nelson.

A funeral service to celebrate Benjamin’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Cotten Funeral Home with visitation from 11:00am to 1:00pm prior to the service. Burial with Military Honors will take place at Greenleaf Memorial Park following the service.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Benjamin Harrison Nelson III.