Nelson Smith was born October 24,1942 to the late Mr. Pearl Nelson Smith and Mrs. Marion Carmichael Smith in Morrow, Georgia. He was the oldest of seven siblings: Annie, David, Harold, Roger, Jim, and Brenda. While working at a bakery, Nelson met and eventually married Carolyn Sneed in 1962 to her death in 2014. In 1965, Nelson began work at Ford Motor Company where he retired after 41 years of service.

Nelson could be described as quiet, hardworking, determined, and a deep thinker. He loved learning about the arts and history, especially WWII.

His music collection was varied and included jazz greats Grover Washington and John Coltrane and classical musicians Mozart and Beethoven. A

perusal of his bookshelf would reveal an interest in systems of philosophical thought with books by Philosopher Kahlil Gibran and other topics related to the power of the subconscious mind.

Instilling a sense of culture in his children was important to Nelson. Summer months were for family road trips to such cities as Washington DC to explore the capitol, museums and monuments and New York City to attend Broadway Plays such as The Wiz.

Nelson was a self-proclaimed food critic where only his wife and her sisters achieved the top chef award. All other cooks were second-class and were very likely to receive dramatic wiping of food off the plate into the garbage.

His lawn was his pride and joy, meticulously manicured. Driving on the grass was a big-time no-no, especially when wet. His cowboy boot collection was impressive. They included many different styles, colors and leather including snake and ostrich skin.

Nelson was slow to speak but had a dry, keen sense of humor.

Nelson leaves to cherish his memories: children Victor Smith of Atlanta, GA, LaSonja (Ladale) Lloyd ofTampa, FL and Cheryl Smith of EI Paso, TX. Grandchildren Kayla, Kristen, and Alexander Lloyd. Brother Jim Smith, Aunt Pearl Favors, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Sneed Smith; Mother Marion Carmichael Smith; father Pearl Nelson Smith; sisters Annie Hutchison and

Brenda Joyce Smith; brothers David, Harold, and Roger Smith.

Services Raleigh Rucker Chapel, 2199 Candler Road, Decatur, Georgia Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.