Lloyd Edward Nelson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lloyd Edward Nelson. A devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Lloyd peacefully departed this life on the morning of May 5th surrounded by his loving family.

Raised in Seat Pleasant, Maryland, Lloyd was a proud graduate of Central High School where he was the lead in high school plays & a star athlete. He went on to attend North Carolina Wesleyan University, where he graduated with honors in 1967. A gifted athlete, he played both basketball and baseball for the Battling Bishops and left a lasting legacy on and off the field. In recognition of his outstanding achievements and character, he was inducted into the NC Wesleyan Sports Hall of Fame in 2005—an honor he deeply cherished. Lloyd remained connected to the game he loved by serving as a high school basketball referee, including the honor to referee the NC high school state championship game in 1993. His knowledge of the sport and commitment to fair play made him a respected figure on the court.

Many years after college, Lloyd began a successful career in industrial and manufacturing sales, where his professionalism and dedication earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike. His entrepreneurial spirit and determination paved the way for a life of accomplishment and purpose.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lloyd was a man of many passions. He loved to travel and explore new places while often enjoying a glass of fine wine with his beloved wife and great friends. At home, he found peace in his garden and joy in cheering on his favorite teams—the Atlanta Braves, NC State Wolfpack and Washington Redskins. He never missed a game! As a passionate supporter of athletics and education, Lloyd was also a generous philanthropist. He gave back to the institutions that shaped his life, making multiple meaningful donations to the athletic departments at both NC Wesleyan and NC State. One example of these contributions is a women’s basketball invitational held at NC Wesleyan which Lloyd and Elliott have sponsored for over a decade.

He and his beloved wife shared 58 extraordinary years of marriage after meeting in line to register for freshman classes—a bond built on love, friendship, and shared dreams. Their partnership was an enduring source of strength and joy. To his family, he was more than a role model—he was the heart of their home. A loving husband, a devoted father, a proud "Papa" and "Great Papa," he lived a life full of love, laughter, and legacy.

Lloyd leaves behind his cherished wife, Elliott Nelson, their 2 children, Kelly Isdahl (Craig) and Michelle Nelson (John), grandchildren Colleen Sacco (Matt) and Marian Baroncelli (Matthew), great-grandchildren, sisters Kathy Nelson DiStasio (Tom) and Denise Nelson Mixson (Bill), and countless family members and friends who were touched by his warmth, wisdom, and generosity of spirit. By his side for the past ten years was his faithful dog, Copper—a loyal companion who brought him endless comfort and joy.

His memory will live on in every garden he tended, every game he watched, and every heart he inspired.

A celebration of his life will be held on May 9th at Brown-Wynne funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Lloyd, to the Lloyd Nelson BBC Endowment by using this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/lloyd-nelson-bbc-endowment

Forever loved, forever missed