Wayne Nelson

Wayne Lyle Nelson, age 82, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on September 1, 2024. He was born on May 17, 1942, in Fertile, Minnesota, the son of the late Conrad and Hazel Ashling Nelson. Known for his unwavering dedication to family and friends, Wayne's loving spirit touched the lives of all those around him.

Wayne met his wife, Susan Harshaw, while he was attending the Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis. Soon after they were married, they moved to Susan's hometown of Red Oak, Iowa. He pursued a career in manufacturing with Starcraft and then Douglas & Lomason. They promoted and transferred him to Carrollton, Ga, where they resided for over 35 years.

Wayne enjoyed collecting coins, baseball cards and he was always looking for the next Lionel train to add to his collection He was a lifelong sports fan, particularly of the Atlanta Braves and golf. Wayne was also a big fan of college football, following the Georgia Bulldogs, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and Nebraska Cornhuskers. But most of all, Wayne loved being a "Papa" and enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and granddogs up until the end.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Susan "Sue" Harshaw Nelson; his children: Kathy (Gary) Kirk of Carrollton, GA, and Sarah (Alan) Wiggins of Ranburne, AL; Jeff (Leslie) Nelson of St. Simons Island, GA, sister, Diane (Allen) Erickson of Fertile, MN; grandchildren: Austin Kirk, Hunter Kirk, Sofie Runyon and Mary Harmon Nelson; nieces, Nancy Riveland and Liz Lisburg; nephews, Paul Erickson and Herbert Stahl; and great nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, Wayne was cremated. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be mailed to either the Concordia Lutheran Church, 100 Jefferson Avenue SW, Fertile, MN 56540, the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1101 East Summit Street, Red Oak, IA 51566, or to the Central High School Lion Athletics, 113 Central High Road, Carrollton, GA 30116.

You may share your thoughts and condolences online at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com

Clark Funeral Home of Hiram, Georgia is honored to be entrusted with the services for Mr. Wayne L. Nelson.