F.R. Nelson Obituary

F. R. "Bobby" Nelson WALTERBORO - Mr. F. R. "Bobby" Nelson, age 76, of Walterboro, entered into rest Monday morning, October 6, 2014, surrounded by his family at his home while under the care of Amedisys Hospice. Funeral services will be conducted 11 o'clock Friday morning, October 10, 2014, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro. Interment with Military Honors and Masonic Rites will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Hendersonville Highway, Walterboro. Born October 15, 1937, a son of the late Forrest Clifford Nelson and the late Iva Lillian Roberts Nelson. He was a native of Beaumont, Texas and has made Walterboro his home since 1978. He served his country in the United States Navy Reserve and received his associate's degree from McNeese State University in 1957. Bobby was a well-known icon in a community he dearly loved where he established his name as a sharp businessman and entrepreneur. Many knew Bobby through his establishing and successfully operating the Longhorn Family Steak House in Walterboro, where many locals enjoyed not only a hot meal but also kindred fellowship. Over the years, this steakhouse was the popular and much sought-after stop for tourists traveling along Interstate 95. He also had Nelson Farms, which was the home for his beloved horses to include his prized Thoroughbred, American Prince. Here was the beginning of a beautiful equestrian legacy. This led to his membership in the South Carolina Thoroughbred Owner/Breeder Association (TOBA) and was awarded their prestigious SC TOBA award in 1991, 1992, 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2005 for ownership and breeding rights he held in various horses. Additionally, he competed in the 2001 Arkansas Derby and Tampa Bay Derby. Horses were his life and the numerous awards and trophies he held were one of his most prized possessions. Tennis was another avid love in his life and among the tennis community he was a well anticipated challenger with his notable rating of 3.5 in the Men's 65 League. He was a member of the United States Tennis Association, the Walterboro Tennis Association, and was also a certified coach. He coached tennis at Colleton Preparatory Academy and led them to State Championships in 1991 and 1992. It has been noted by his daughter Kaci that he was the best coach anyone could have ever been privileged to know. He was a member of Evergreen Christian Church in Walterboro and also was a Master Mason being a member and Past Master of Mount Moriah Lodge No. 196 - Ancient Free Masons. Surviving are: his wife, Mrs. Sara Hogg Nelson; five daughters, Kaci Nelson Beach of Walterboro, Kelli Baston and her husband Mike of Summerville, Tiffany Parler and her husband Paul of Summerville, Dee Hall and Angie Rogers, both of Louisiana; a son, Kenny Rogers of Louisiana; a brother, Ricky Nelson of Texas; and three sisters, Linda Newman of Lexington, Gwen Jernigan and Jeannie White, both of Texas. There are four grandchildren, Marshall, Emmie, Charleigh, and Parker; his brother-in-law, who became a dear friend and caretaker, Jerry Hogg and his beloved cat, Billy. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jay Nelson. Flowers will be accepted, or for those that wish, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to the following: National Parkinson Foundation, Post Office Box 5018 Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-5018 or donate at: www.parkinson.org; or to, Amedisys Hospice, 203 Eddie Chasteen Drive, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488; or to, Walterboro Tennis Association, 314 Silver Hill Road, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488. Family and friends are invited to call from 6 o'clock until 8 o'clock this Thursday evening at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the online registry at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston