He was born on Aug. 31, 1954, at Lajes Air Force Base, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal. Ronald graduated from Pinehurst Bible Training Center in 1977. He moved with his family to High Point, North Carolina in 1985 to work with his mom and dad where he managed Nelson Greenhouses for 38 years. He enjoyed helping customers, giving them information and advice about plant care. Ronald faithfully read his Bible and enjoyed watching sports, especially basketball. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Melvin Nelson.
Ronald is survived by his mother, Joyce Pearl Nelson, who he lovingly cared for after his father’s passing. He is also survived by his three daughters that he loved dearly, Ronnie Marie Nelson, Melissa Nelson-Cowan and Claire Anna-Joy Nelson; and his three grandchildren, Connor Nicholas Nelson, Garrett Michael Cowan and Autumn Willow Cowan.
Ronald’s service will be held Thursday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. at Sechrest-Davis Funeral Funeral Home Chapel by Pastor Chris Thore. Graveside burial at Floral Garden Memorial Park will follow at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 12 noon until the service at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ronald’s name to Boys Town or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made at Sechrestdavisphillipsavenue.com.
