Charles Nelson Bess

Nelson was born on May 25, 1943 to the late Donnie Hugh Bess and Mildred Hursey Bess. He graduated from Central High School in 1961 and from Statesville Business College with a business certificate.

His first job was with the State Prison System as a Work Release Clerk. He then went to work for Northwestern Bank and retired from Wachovia Bank after 40 years of banking. He worked part-time for a while, after his retirement, with the Bank of Granite.

Nelson was very much involved in the community. He was a member of the Statesville Lion’s Club, the Gideon’s, and a Certified Lay Speaker with the United Methodist Church. Being a Lay Speaker gave him many opportunities to share the love of Jesus to different congregations as he filled in for pastors. He was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church and served in many capacities, such as Sunday School Teacher, on the Witness Committee, and other committees. Nelson also sang in the choir and often sang a solo and loved to play his guitar.

Nelson was married to Judy Lackey Bess, who survives, on April 6, 1968. They had 47 years together before his passing. He is also survived by two daughters, Angela Bess Sloan (Doug) and Tammy Bess Nichols; nine grandchildren, Rachel (Drake), Jonathan, Jack, Nelson, Kody, Makayla, Easton, Luca and Stella; two brothers, Donnie Bess (Sonja) of Statesville and Rickey Bess (Susie) of Lexington, NC.

He is further survived by other family members, aunt, uncle and cousins.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, September 18, 2015 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home.

The funeral service honoring Nelson’s life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 3:00 PM at Bethlehem United Methodist church with Rev. Cokie Bristol and Rev. Olin Isenhour officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: Bethlehem United Methodist Church 607 Bethlehem Road, Statesville, NC 28677 or to: Gideon’s International P.O. Box 675 Lincolnton, NC 28093 or to: Gordon Hospice House 2347 Simonton Road Statesville, NC 28625.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bess family.

Romans 10:13 – “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”