Rory Vincent Nelson, Sr.

Rory Vincent Nelson, Sr., 76, of New Bern, North Carolina entered into his eternal rest Sunday morning, November 19, 2023. Rory was born on July 24, 1947 in Oakland, California to Marine Corps Captain Clayton Nelson and Martha Johnson Nelson.

Rory as a young man was raised in different parts of the country as part of a proud military family. After graduating from Campbell High School in Hawaii he enlisted with the US Air Force. After the Air Force Rory enrolled into the College of Alameda earning his airframe and powerplant maintenance degree. Rory continued to work as a civil service engineer for the Navy Defense Department for over 30 years. During his career Rory earned 3 Certificate of Awards from the Department of the Navy accepting his new ideas into standard operating procedures. Rory also had the responsibility of working on the United States President’s personal helicopter, Marine 1. He had a passion for building items with his hands such as single piston remote controlled airplanes to building, racing and repairing cars. He was someone who enlarged his overall knowledge in many different subjects with his enjoyment of reading. Rory and his wife never missed an opportunity to drive up to Lake Tahoe together. Lake Tahoe being one of their favorite places to vacation only ranked right behind visiting the family in Hawaii. He was a devoted fan of baseball with his favorite Major League team being the Oakland A’s. He coached his sons Rory Jr. and Randall when they were young. These past years he loved to watch his grandsons play baseball and enjoyed watching his granddaughter play softball. He was also a Raiders football fan. A proud NRA member enjoying his time outdoors at the shooting range with family and friends. He even tried his hand at acting where he was in a couple TV commercials and appeared as an extra in the movie The Right Stuff back in 1983.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 50 years Gloria Nelson. Sons Rory Nelson, Jr. and Randall Nelson. Grandfather to Donavan Nelson, Emerie Nelson, Emmitt Nelson and Maxton Nelson. Loving mom Kimie, Brother Clay Nelson and Mother in law Fife Costilla who all reside in California.

In lieu of flowers the family would like to request donations be made to the American Heart Association, please visit the website below.

American Heart Association | http://www.heart.org

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am in the chapel. At 2:00 pm he will be laid to rest following the service with military honors at Coastal Carolina State Veteran Cemetery, 110 Montford Landing Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540. Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Rory Nelson, Sr.