Edwin Nelson Obituary

Edwin Nelson, Jr. GIVHANS, SC - Edwin Walfred Nelson, Jr., age 95, of Givhans, SC, passed away peacefully in Hospice, surrounded by family on January 15th, 2024. "Eddie" was born September 28, 1928 in Charleston, SC to the late Edwin W. Nelson and Gertrude Rabens Nelson. As soon as he turned 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, ultimately becoming a Navy Frogman in Underwater Demolition Team 3. After a successful 4 year hitch in the Navy, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force rising to the rank of Master Sergeant, ultimately becoming responsible for the Aircraft Instrumentation of fifteen B-52 bombers and fifteen KC-135 tankers. After 17 years of service, including 2 Personal Commendation Medals, he retired from the Air Force and moved back to Charleston, where he became a Letter Carrier for The U.S. Postal Service for the next 24 years. While living West of the Ashley, he served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America for 3 years, becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow. He was also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He married the love of his life, Sarah Mae Baumgardner Nelson in 1975 and together they lived on their 4 acres in Givhans, SC until her passing in 2019. A devout Catholic, Eddie enjoyed tending to his 4 acres, reading, doing crossword puzzles, spending time with family, his pets and wild birds. Eddie is survived by his sons: Charles Nelson (Dorinda) and Henry Flanner (Erin); grandchildren: Micah and Josiah Flanner, Brandon and Kyle Biggs; sister: Peggy Howlett Campbell (Ken), and many nieces, nephews, cousins and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his siblings: Alice Nelson Hill Whitsett and William "Bill" Nelson, as well as 25 dogs and 3 cats. A visitation of family and friends will be held on January 23rd, 2024 from 12 o'clock to 1 o'clock at St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church, 11001 Dorchester Rd., Summerville, SC 29485. The Funeral Service will begin at 1 o'clock with an entombment to immediately follow at Dorchester Memory Gardens, right across the street. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Eddie's name may be made to the ASPCA or Dorchester Paws. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston