Joe Nelson

Joe was born on April 22, 1934, in Goodwater, Alabama, and moved to Gadsden in 1933 where he lived and attended school. He graduated from Gadsden High School, where he played football and baseball for the “Tigers.” Joe loved sports, especially football and baseball. He was a huge fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Atlanta Braves. Joe attended Howard and Jacksonville State Colleges. He was a veteran who loved and served his country during the Korean War. Joe also loved the mountains in the autumn when the leaves were at their peak. He retired from Goodyear, with thirty years of service, in 1996.

Joe was a generous, kind, loving, and giving husband, father, poppa, and friend who loved his Lord with all his being and his family with his whole heart. He was a man of great strength and character. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harlin L. Nelson, Sr. of Gadsden; sisters, Dorothy “Dot” Black (Allen) and Ann Corley (Hugh); brother, Harlin L. Nelson Jr. (Nita); Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Dayton W. Mathis; brother in law, Tommy Mathis; and infant granddaughters, Elise Michelle Nelson and Tommy Jackson.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Betty Mathis Nelson; son, Michael Joe Nelson (Jennifer Hawkins); daughter, Jennifer Lea Nelson Jackson (Dan); six grandchildren, Stephen (Tiffany), John (Anna), Whitney and Nathan Nelson, Amanda Nelson Wesley (Nathan) and Nicole Jackson; six great-grandchildren, Jackson, Liam, Adaleigh, Elisha, Malachi, and Kalea Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at a later date due to the COVID-19 virus and the restrictions. Date, Time, and place will be announced.

Special thanks to Regina Herron who has been like a daughter to us, “You were always there when we needed you.” Ernest Wallace “Big E” for all your help and encouragement is working with Joe in his endeavor to reach his goals in recovering. And for all you did for us. We love you both. And the Encompass “team” for all your loving care, thank you.