Ralph L. Nelson Jr.

Ralph L. Nelson, Jr., age 91, passed away August 21, 2016, at Cherokee County Health and Rehab Center in Centre, AL after an extended illness. Mr. Nelson was born in Birmingham, AL and moved to Centre, AL upon his retirement from Thomas Foundries in Birmingham, where he was the metallurgical engineer and corporate secretary. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1948 and married Mary Ann Hunt in 1952. He was known as a fellow who could fix or improvise almost anything with the largest and best organized workshop in town. He loved to fish and he enjoyed his family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Laura Edna Burnett and his father, Ralph L. Nelson, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Hunt Nelson; brother, James Ronald Burnett; sons, Joel Nelson of New Orleans, LA and Dr. Byron Nelson (Mary Alice) of Centre, AL; daughter, Myrna Carpenter (Robert) of Metairie, LA; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life service following at 2 p.m. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Childhaven in Cullman, AL 1816 Childhaven Rd. N.E. Cullman, AL 35055 or Lighthouse for the Blind 123 State St. New Orleans, LA 70118.