Larry D. Nelson

Larry D. Nelson, 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6.

Born on December 27, 1954, in Waynesville, North Carolina, Larry lived a fun-loving life marked by kindness, generosity, and a genuine appreciation for the people around him. He cherished his family and friends, loved music, and found great joy in fishing and boating. Throughout his life and career, he touched countless lives with his warmth, compassion, and easygoing spirit.

Larry is survived by his son, Damon Nelson of Charlotte, North Carolina; his daughter, Deanna Nelson of Knoxville, Tennessee; and his brother, Ricky Nelson of Asheville, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his mother, Frieda Ross Hardin; his father, Odell Nelson; and his sister, Karen Nelson Smith.

A member of the Tuscola High School Class of 1973, Larry began his professional life as a skilled stone mason. Driven by determination and a desire to serve others, he later attended the Bowman Gray Physician Assistant Program in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 1982, he joined the Sanger Clinic in Charlotte, where he worked as a Physician Assistant for the next 25 years. He was respected not only for his aptitude, dedication, and strong work ethic, but also for his jovial personality and ability to put others at ease.

Outside of work, Larry enjoyed cooking, spending time on the water, and casting a line whenever he had the chance. He embraced life with enthusiasm and optimism. Those who knew him will fondly remember his carefree "riding around with the top down" attitude and his ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures.

Larry's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.