Kevin Monroe Nelson (September 20, 1943 - April 07, 2016)

In loving memory of
Kevin Monroe Nelson
  • September 20, 1943
  • -
  • April 07, 2016

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Obituary

Kevin M. Nelson, 72, departed this life on Thursday, April 7, 2016, after a brief battle with cancer and COPD.  The family will hold private services. 

Kevin was born on September 20, 1943, in Lynbrook, New York, and was a mechanic specializing in classic cars, hot rods and drag racing. He graduated from high school in Warner Robins, Georgia, a town that would always remain near and dear to his heart as the place where he met and married the mother of his two children, and where he maintained many lifelong friendships.  It was in Warner Robins that he did most of his own drag racing on the old Warner Robins drag strip, where if your brakes and parachute failed, the corn field beyond would eventually stop you.  He was also a lifelong friend and a crew member for Shirl Greer, International Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductee.  Known by a variety of nicknames, and although gruff, ornery, and originally a northerner, Kevin was a lifelong friend to many, more hospitable than most southerners, and completely intolerant of cold temperatures.  He had an immeasurable love for his children and grandchildren, and understood the meaning of true friendship. 

Kevin was predeceased by his father, Alfred Nelson, and mother, Edith Nelson.  He will forever live in the hearts of his son, Christopher Nelson (Amy), Shrewsbury NJ; daughter, Karen Warner (Gary), Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Luke, Sadie, and Tess Nelson; sister, Karen Nelson (Lutz, FL); niece, Rachel Gentry (Orlando, FL); and a large extended family of numerous friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Kevin’s memory to the JEGS Foundation: Racing for Cancer Research.  With support of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), the JEGS Foundation supports cancer research through efforts to build awareness and breakdown barriers to increase prevention and early detection. Money raised goes directly to cancer research. Additional information can be found at http://www.teamjegs.com/content/foundation.  A page has been set up to accept donations in honor of Kevin Nelson, accessible through this link:  http://www.supportohiostate.org/site/TR?pg=pfind&fr_id=1150


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  1. Troy and Elaine Shuttlesworth says:
    20 Apr 2016
    Chris and Karen,
    Kevin was what we called a real friend he was always there to help if we needed him. Kevin and I go way back we raced, built cars and did lots of other thing together. He always loved it when I brought the 1932 3WD for him to drive out to the race track. Kevin loved his kids and grandchildren, when Elaine and I visited he was always talking and showing us pictures and videos of the family. In the end he was one of my dears’ friends and he will be greatly missed.
    P.S. Always loved to hear his answering machine message, you should save it if possible.

    Troy and Elaine Shuttlesworth

  2. Cathleen Kirby says:
    17 Apr 2016
    4 ever my good friend...lov ya Suki

  3. Christy Shuttlesworth -Skinner says:
    14 Apr 2016
    Kevin was a very dear friend to my Dad and our family. I have heard so many racing stories throughout my life involving Kevin and my dad Troy. But I have my own story. Tommy and I were on our honeymoon and of course our car breaks down. As you can imagine it was a very trying moment for us newly weds. It wasnt a few minutes and here comes Kevin. He knew exactly what to do to calmthe situation. He offered Tommy a beer to calm his nerves and acted like a dad to calm mine. Thank you my friend. RIP Kevin!

  4. Rachel Gentry says:
    14 Apr 2016
    The first thing I think of when I think of Uncle Kevin is his laugh, I don't know how to describe it exactly but the sound plays in my head when I think of him and it makes me smile. I will also think of the holidays which brought everyone together to deep fry a turkey. There was also a year that I will always remember at Christmas Uncle Kevin got us lotto tickets in our cards and I won ten bucks which was very exciting.

  5. Gary Warner says:
    14 Apr 2016
    Many a fond and funny memory with the Ol' Man. I have to admit, the 15-pound turkey lowering into the fryer with the 1-ton engine lift is a classic. Never before and never again. And let's not forget the plunger water... that's one Amy and I will love forever. Some things you never forget. Some people you never forget and he is definitely one that I will always remember. He will be missed. He loved his kids and he loved his grandkids. Hell, he loved us all. God-speed, Kevin. You ran a great race!

  6. Rich Gentry says:
    14 Apr 2016
    Sorry for your loss Karen, Chris and "Little" Karen. I too still have many fond memories of spending afternoons in Kevin's garage drinking beer, laughing and lowering 15 pound turkeys into the deep fryer using a 2000 pound engine lift. Only with Kevin could one have that fond of a memory. RIP Kevin.

  7. Rich Gentry posted an image:
    14 Apr 2016
    Kevin, proud of his home and yard that he built himself.  Just one of his many talents.
    Kevin, proud of his home and yard that he built himself. Just one of his many talents.

  8. Michelle says:
    14 Apr 2016
    My condolences for your loss. I have some very fond memories of Kevin when he visited Austin. Such a jolly spirit, I enjoyed hanging out with him. Sending my love to the family~ Missy Lemberger

  9. Connie Greer says:
    13 Apr 2016
    Kevin was a one of a kind man and many of his friends and myself will miss him so very much. Shirl thought so much of Kevin and the times they did have! There used to be a cartoon called Hillbilly Bear - he was a large slow walking, slow talking bear and Kevin sounded and acted a lot like that old bear - called him "Hillbilly Bear" from then on! The Greer family loved Kevin and felt him a part of our family too. I just bet you that Kevin and Shirl are up in race car heaven turning those wrenches and working on a car. RIP dear friend.

  10. Karen Nelson Warner says:
    13 Apr 2016
    Of course there are no words that can express the loss our family feels. The best medicine for us has been the conversation and great stories we have heard from our Dad's friends and our extended family. If you visit this site, please don't leave without posting a message. Please be sure to post a memory and not just regrets. If you know my Dad, you know that's what he would want.

    For now I'll say that there will never be another Christmas turkey as good as the ones lowered into and taken out of the fryer with the assistance of the hydraulic engine lift. Also, Dad, I know you'll be severely aggravated, but I moved some screwdrivers in the garage. I love you. Hugs to all my Grandparents, and to Dan.

  11. Luke says:
    13 Apr 2016
    We will miss Grandpa Kevin so much! So sad to say goodbye.
    Love you always,
    Luke, Sadie and Tess

  12. Amy posted an image:
    13 Apr 2016
    Grandpa Kevin and Tess
    Grandpa Kevin and Tess

  13. Amy posted an image:
    13 Apr 2016
    Grandpa Kevin and Sadie
    Grandpa Kevin and Sadie

  14. Amy posted an image:
    13 Apr 2016
    Grandpa Kevin with Luke
    Grandpa Kevin with Luke

  15. Amy posted an image:
    13 Apr 2016
    Kevin in Austin
    Kevin in Austin

  16. Amy posted an image:
    13 Apr 2016


  17. Amy posted an image:
    13 Apr 2016
    Three generations of Nelson men!
    Three generations of Nelson men!

  18. Amy posted an image:
    13 Apr 2016
    The Full Nelson
    The Full Nelson

  19. Amy posted an image:
    13 Apr 2016
    Kevin & Chris
    Kevin & Chris

  20. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    The good ol' days
    The good ol' days

  21. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    Amy, Mom, Chris and Dad
    Amy, Mom, Chris and Dad

  22. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    Dad, Bernie, and Chris
    Dad, Bernie, and Chris

  23. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    The gang
    The gang

  24. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    Hey!  I know that car!
    Hey! I know that car!

  25. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    Always a bud-man
    Always a bud-man

  26. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    Dad and me at Chris and Amy's wedding
    Dad and me at Chris and Amy's wedding

  27. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    Backstage
    Backstage

  28. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    Just another day
    Just another day

  29. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    Christmas turkey, getting ready for the hydraulic lift
    Christmas turkey, getting ready for the hydraulic lift

  30. Karen Nelson Warner posted an image:
    12 Apr 2016
    Me and Dad
    Me and Dad

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