Rev. Robert J. Nelson, 85, of Sheffield Village left his earthly home for his heavenly home on Thursday, December 2, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bob was the son of the late Oscar and Irene (Sapp) Nelson, formerly of Portsmouth, Ohio, where he was born and raised.
Bob was preceded in death by four brothers, James Earl, Harold, Douglas, twin brother, William; and sister, Shirley Thiele.
Surviving Bob are: his loving and faithful wife of 65 years, Ruth (Daniels) Nelson; son, Daniel J. Nelson of Issaqua, WA; two daughters, Sue Baker of Sheffield Village and Brenda Nelson of Lorain, Ohio; three grandchildren, Derek Baker of Sheffield Village, Zachary Baker (Ashley) of Avon Lake; granddaughter, Megan Hollis (Michael) of Tennessee; four great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Breanna, MaKenna Baker and Maddus Hollis; brother, Carl Nelson (Debbie) of Valley City, Ohio; sister, Barbara Hannah of Lucasville, Ohio; and a great host of friends.
It was in the southern part of Ohio where Bob met the love of his life, fell in love and married her on Nov. 3, 1956, and thus, their journey began.
As a young man, Bob was a paver for Ohio Asphalt Construction Company. He surrendered his heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ, on Dec. 5, 1960, the age of 24. Two and a half years later he felt the Lord calling him to preach the gospel, and in August 1965 he was ordained into the ministry and never looked back.
Bob was instrumental in building his and Ruth’s first home church, Pond Run Baptist Church in Stout, Ohio. He Pastored the Stony Run Free Will Baptist Church before moving to the greater Cleveland area in 1969. During the next several years, he would go on to Pastor the Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Cleveland, and also the Amherst Free Will Baptist Church in Amherst. Numerous souls came to know the Lord by having heard “Preacher Nelson”, as he was so affectionately called. Bob also was employed with National Solvent of Medina for 27 years, and with Precision Coatings of Vermillion for 15 years.
Bob was a serious man; but, he did have an inner kid-like quality about him. He was an avid sports fan of all kinds, although he liked his Cleveland teams best. He loved NASCAR and, believe it or not, he loved the WWE.
Our loss is heaven’s gain, but we have the sweetest assurance of seeing him again in Heaven some day.
The family wishes to thank Mercy Hospice Center, Rev. Bill Alford, Rev. Ray Lovett, and a special heartfelt thank you to Carl “Butch” and Debbie Nelson for all your time, care and love extended to us at this time. We couldn’t have made it without you.
The family will receive friends at Wyers-Bollinger Funeral Chapel, 2900 N. Ridge Road, Sheffield Twp. on Sunday, December 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 6 at New Haven Baptist Church, 5290 French Creek Road, Sheffield Village, at 1:00 pm. Burial will be Tuesday, Dec. 7 at McKendree Cemetery in Portsmouth, Ohio at 1:00 pm.
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