Robert Earl Nelson Sr.

Robert Earl Nelson Sr, 72, a longtime resident of New Orleans, La passed away peacefully on January 4, 2021. Earl was born on August 25, 1948 in Mcwilliams, Alabama to the late Louise and Robert Nelson of McWilliams, AL. Survived by two sisters Gloria Jean Howard (Irvin) of Oak Park, MI and Gwendolyn McIntosh (Jerry) of Cincinnati, OH; and one brother Calvin Nelson (Sharon) Montgomery, AL. He is preceded in death by three sisters, the late Francis Carroll (Grady), the late Mary Louise Charley (John) of Detroit, MI and the late Jewels Siebert (Tyrone) of Southfield, MI; and two Brothers, the late Judge Patrick Nelson (Karen) of El Paso, TX and late Grover C. Nelson (Wanda) of Detroit, MI. From young Earl was Hardworking man, facing the decision sometimes to either work or attend school, while many times he ended up working to put food on the table for his siblings and mother. Not giving up he still was able to make the football team in high school and graduated class of 1967 from J.F. Shields High School in Beatrice, Alabama (Monroe County). Coming to New Orleans, LA in pursuit of a better way of life he met and married the late Shirley Mae Nelson in 1970. While making a living for himself and family warehousing and as a hotshot driver, he eventually joined the International Longshoremen Association Labor Union as a Forklift operator for 22 years and Retired in December 2014. Earl was the Loving father to Patricia Nelson of Houston, TX. Robert Earl Nelson Jr. (Abigail) of Houston, TX. Derrick Nelson of Houston, TX, and step-father to the late Solomon Gill Jr, late Joseph Gill, Brenda Reaves (Greg) of New Orleans, LA. Linda Thompson (Walter) of Violet, LA., CW4 (Ret.) David Mearis (Delvene) of Durham, NC., and Florence Mearis of Katy, TX. He is survived by 18 Grandchildren, and 15 Great Grandchildren. Earl’s memory will also be cherished by his in laws Willie Mearis Jr (Justine), late Lillian McCarthy (L.C.), Florence Barker (late Thomas), Carol Brown (George), Joyce Henry (late Paul), and Barbara Dale (Bob). As well as a host nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Robert will be greatly missed by all who knew him as he enjoyed life and his family. Relatives and Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, La 70125 on Thursday, January 14, 2021at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am to 10:00 am. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave. New Orleans, La. 70122. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences for the family.