Oscar Tivis Nelson Jr.

He was born on August 20, 1940 in Sparta, Tennessee to Oscar and Dorothy Davidson Nelson.

He graduated from Madison High School in Madison, Tennessee in 1957, where he played numerous sports. He completed his undergraduate degree at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He obtained his Masters and PhD in Mathematics at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

After graduating from Vanderbilt, he was a professor in the Management School at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and Vanderbilt University in Nashville, before moving to University Administration at Vanderbilt. He served as Associate Provost until his retirement in 2009.

He was a member of West End United Methodist Church in Nashville. Tivis is fondly remembered for his kind spirit and desire to help others. He was respected by all who knew him. Tivis loved all Vanderbilt Athletics and the Tennessee Titans. He enjoyed playing tennis and spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. One of his greatest passions was education. He was always teaching in one way or another.

Tivis is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Dorothy Nelson, and his sister, Dorothy (Dottie) Allen.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Pat O’Connor Nelson, beloved daughter Ashley Beadle (Charles) Hayes, adored grandchildren Caroline and Michael Hayes and brother Charles (Susan) Nelson, as well as many extended family members who loved him dearly.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 11AM at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens (525 111th Avenue N, Naples, FL 34108) - reception to follow.

A graveside service will be held in Tennessee at a later date.

Arrangements are by Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.