Joseph Marion Nelson

Joseph Marion Nelson September 15, 1943 ~ October 14, 2022 (age 79) On September 15, 1943, Joe entered this world prematurely at six and one half months gestation. Weighing only two pounds, four ounces, he was not expected to survive, but his dedicated mother fought around the clock to make sure he did. On September 15, 2022 he celebrated his 79th birthday. After a difficult battle with metastatic cancer, he went to his heavenly home on Friday October 14, 2022. He was predeceased by parents Eugenia Ferguson Nelson and Jesse Edward Nelson, Jr.; brother Jesse Raymond Nelson, and devoted friend Judy Cain. He is survived by sister Ruth Nelson Sherrell (Jerry); Nieces Angela Sherrell Cooke (Scott), and Amy Sherrell Walley (Dustey); Great Niece Caitlin Catchot Rosonet (Madison); Great Nephews Corey Catchot, Tyler Cooke, Ryan Cooke, step Great Nephews Benjamin and Connor Walley and great great nephews Brooks and Brady Rosonet. He enjoyed family get-togethers and could always be counted on to share imaginative, often funny, tall tales. He always offered to bring his favorite key lime pie. Following graduation from Murphy High School in 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at seventeen years of age. After Basic Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, he was stationed at Chanute AFB in Illinois where he remained for three years. While there he served in the Ceremonial Unit and helped screen Air Force Academy candidates on physical fitness requirements for admission to the Academy. He then was stationed at Thule Air Base, Greenland for one year. Returning stateside, he served three years at Hurlburt Field, Fort Walton Beach Florida. He retired as Staff Sergeant. After graduating with a Business degree from Troy State University, he worked at Alcoa Aluminum in Mobile for six years. Prior to retirement in 2015, he worked thirty years as Sr. Computer Systems Analyst at Providence Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. He was a member of Latham United Methodist Church where graveside services will be held on Monday October 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Larry Bryars officiating. Family will receive friends at the cemetery from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church at the following address: D.J. Sherrell, Treasurer, 60075 Hwy 59, Stockton, AL 36579.