Robert K. "Bob" Nelson Obituary (1933

Robert K. "Bob" Nelson age 80 of Afton passed away on October 25. Mr. Nelson was a staple and an important figure in Afton and Chuckey community all his life. Bob was a man of God and virtue, a devoted and loving father and an extremely special grandfather and great-grandfather. His reach and influence extended far beyond the Afton and Chuckey community. Most who new him, including those close in age and even older, referred to him affectionately as "Papaw." Papaw had a deep passion and unusual talent for playing bluegrass music. He was an avid bluegrass picker and was known widely for being one of the best guitar pickers and singers around. He got his first guitar at the very early age of 6. He traded his brother Frank a hand full of comic books and a bicycle for a guitar. Locally, Papaw played a lot of great music with local players such as Bud Rose, Benny Sims, Thomas "Pawn Jam" Martin, Homer Ball, Harlan Miller, Kenneth Foster, Chris Hensley, Tom Bullen, "Smilin'" Jack Lane, Junior Nelson, Roy Hunt, J.C. Ward, James Waddell, Charlie Black, Pepe' Peeler, and many others. He was a member of the Harlan Miller's Gospel Revue for many years. He had was also member of the bluegrass gospel group with Charlie Black, Doug White, Homer Ball, Dwight Hensley called Cornerstone for many years. Papaw and Mammaw (his wife Aletha--along with grandson Brent) travelled the entire southeast going to bluegrass festivals for many, many years. He was affectionately known in the northern states such as Ohio as "Tennessee Bob." He had picked with some of the best players throughout those travels. Some of his picking partners had been Don Reno, Bill Harrell, and Carl Story. However, his most special picking sessions were always with his grandson Brent Lamons. Bob worked hard all his life. He had done farm and tobacco work and also worked at Magnavox Company in Greeneville for 15 years. He was a craftsman and founded Nelson's Woodworking Shop in the early 50's. The woodworking shop has become an institution in the Afton and Chuckey community (and in Greeneville and Greene County). It would be challenging to assess what percentage of houses in Greeneville and Greene County Bob has put cabinets in, but the figure might be close to 45 or 50%. He had very little formal education but was blessed with oodles of common sense and wisdom. The impact and influence that Papaw had on people's lives from Greene County to Georgetown, Ohio, to Miami, FL cannot easily be realized. He was a loving father to four children, but actually helped raise many more children than just his four. He was a true patriarch in many more ways than one. Anyone who ever met him could never forget him. He was one of the toughest yet gentle people one could ever meet with a smile that nearly consumed his whole face. Those who knew or met him are better for having done so. This community and world have lost a true treasure. Many thanks to the wonderful nursing staff on the third floor of the west wing of Laughlin Memorial Hospital, the Smoky Mountain Home Health staff/nurses, and doctors for the wonderful care for Bob. It will never be forgotten. This ordeal was made so much easier by the love and prayers of our special neighbors, church family and many, many friends. God bless each and every one of you. Bob is survived by his loving life partner and wife of 61 years, Aletha Nelson; a very special, loving daughter and son-in-law, Terri and George Lamons; a very special and loving son, Richard "Rick" Nelson and fiancée Debbie Hensley; Grandchildren: Dr. Brent and Christie Lamons of Knoxville, TN, Emma and David Lamons of Afton, TN, Dana Nelson of Greeneville, TN; four very special great grandchildren: Maggie, Jack, and Raney Mae Lamons of Knoxville, TN, and Dakota Smelcer of Greeneville; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Jimmy Carlton of Greeneville; a sister-in-law, Wanda Holt of Greeneville; a special adopted' daughter, Dr. Ann Chang; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.M. Nelson of Afton; five brothers, Charlie, John, Clarence, George, and Rev. Frank Nelson; two children, Kathy Nelson and David Nelson. He attended and was a member of Stone Dam United Methodist Church for many years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 in honor of David Nelson Lamons, to Stone Dam United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 from 1-3 and 5-7 PM at Jeffers Funeral Chapel at Afton. A memorial service will be held at 7 PM following the visitation. The Rev. Sara Emmerich will officiate. A private interment will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.jeffersmortuary.com. Jeffers Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Robert K. "Bob" Nelson, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. print Print Obituary