Arthur Lee Nelson, Jr.

Arthur Lee Nelson, Jr., son of Arthur L. Nelson, Sr. and the late Adell Nelson, departed this life on Saturday, January 7, 2012. He was born on January 10, 1960 in Alexandria, Virginia, growing up with two sisters, Gloria Adell Jackson, who preceded him in death, and Rose Lynn Kary.

Arthur spent much of his youthful days in Alexandria and completed his high school education at Bishop Ireton High school, where he was president of the Galaxy and received the Junior Achievement Award. After graduating from high school he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia. He completed additional managerial studies at the University of Maryland and later at the University of Tennessee.

He was an avid sports fan with a particular passion for tennis and spent much of his time devoted to the sport. While tennis became his sports outlet, his true passion for politics became his lifelong pursuit. While living in Alexandria, he was an active member of the Democratic Party and served as representative and officer of numerous committees. A highlight of his political interest was recognized as he was a member of the Advance team for then Senator John Glenn. He began his professional career in the Alexandria working as an Account Representative for Planning Research Corporation.

In 1987 he married the former Demetra Gray at Jerusalem A.M.E. Church in Hemingway, South Carolina. To this union two children were born – Morgan Bianca and Arthur Langley, all residing in Oak Ridge, Tennessee where the family worshiped and served at Spurgeon Chapel AME Zion Church for nearly 20 years. While a member of Spurgeon Chapel, Arthur was a member of the Sunday School, supporter for numerous boards and organizations, and was the Leader of the Steward Board as the Pastor’s Steward. He continued his passion for politics and civic interests in Oak Ridge as he became the first African American elected to the Anderson County School Board while also serving as the President of the Oak Ridge Chapter of the NAACP.  Additionally, he was the president and member of the Atomic City Sportsmen’s Club , a civic organization established to support community and youth activities. He worked as a production supervisor and manager for Copper Automotive; Denzo Corporation; and Aluminum Company of America.

Arthur’s life will continuously be celebrated by all of his family and friends: Demetra, Jessica, Morgan, Arthur Langley; father, Arthur Lee Nelson, Sr.;  sister, Rose Kary; uncles, Charles Nelson, Sr. (Ethel), William Nelson, Sr. (Leila)  of Alexandria,  Isaiah Gray; aunts, Hattie Clarke (Bernard) of Rustburg, Virginia; Louise and Rosa Nelson,  four nieces; Nikki Jennings; Lori Brissette, Amanda and Bethany Kary; a host of devoted cousins; brothers in law, James Jackson; Darrell Kary; James Gray (Melissa); Delvakia Gray (Janet). His life will remain a part of many loving relatives and special friends as we celebrate his Home Going today and always.

The visitation and viewing will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Beulah Baptist Church, 320 South Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia (map/directions) from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00.  The committal will immediately follow the service in Bethel Cemetery, Alexandria, Virginia (map/directions). Arrangements by Phillip Bell Sr. and Winona Morrissette-Johnson, P.A.

Please send all floral tributes directly to Beulah Baptist Church, the morning of the service.