Richard Ozzie Nelson
December 17, 1955 - August 17, 2024

Ozzie was born to William Lambuth and Marie Foster Nelson in Kingsport, TN. He spent most of his schooling days in Raleigh, NC and graduated from Millbrook High School. He attended Western Carolina University for a brief period before entering the workforce.

Once he entered the workforce, he spent time in HVAC, steel fabrication, locksmithing, building materials, and while attending Cape Fear Community College, he did production work in a manufacturing facility.

The last twenty years he was in property maintenance, working with his “Bossman Paul”(Benton). Also, during the past twenty years, Ozzie used his life experience(s) in a constructive way by volunteering weekly at the Burgaw prison AA ministry.

Ozzie was preceded in death by his parents, Lambuth and Marie; his eldest brother, James L. (Jim) Nelson; and his great-nephew, Scottie Nelson. He is survived by his brother, MIke Nelson (Jean); nephews — all Nelsons — Jimmy, Scott (Connie), Tim (Laura), Andy (Nikki); and niece, Edie Nelson Brown (Jim). He was also “Uncle Oz” to great-nieces; Emily Brown Poole (Gregory), and Catherine Brown Moore (John) and their son John-John; and two great-nephews, Andrew Nelson and Zack Nelson. In addition, he was referred to as “cousin” by too many to name, but they stretch from the coast to the mountains of North Carolina and beyond.

Whether we refer to him as brother, brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, or great-uncle, he will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to : Lower Cape Fear Life Care (Hospice), 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401. Or, to the organization of your choice.

Coastal Cremations 6 Jacksonville St., Wilmington NC 28403

910.392.6032


9 Comments

  • Will Daube Posted August 20, 2024 6:27 pm

    I had the pleasure of working alongside Ozzie for several years. He had a great spirit and sense of humor. He will be missed.

  • Pat Anderson Posted August 20, 2024 8:09 pm

    Ozzie, you were such a kind soul. You will always be in my happy memories. Now rest in peace.

  • Jody wolf Posted August 21, 2024 2:18 pm

    I haven’t seen Ozzie in years and often wondered where he was. I was shocked to see he passed. Ozzie was my partner in a lot of things back in the late 80s and early 90s. He was one of the best people I know and I have many memories with him. I know my mom is up there talking your ear off as she loved both you and your mom. RIP my friend. I wish we would have stayed in touch. I will think of you often and miss you. Love you my friend!!

  • Carrie Dezio Posted August 22, 2024 2:18 pm

    Ozzie was such a sweet guy and I enjoyed working with and getting to know him over the last 14 years. His presence in the office has been missed but I know he is in a better place now.

  • Teresa Huffmon Posted August 22, 2024 5:48 pm

    Always kind, always compassionate, always smiling. He will be greatly missed.

  • Bobby Perkinson Posted August 25, 2024 12:47 pm

    So many memories growing up with my buddy Ozzie I can’t even begin. Ozzie was a terrific guy and very laid back. I saw him a few years ago when he stopped by to see his brother in Winston and he looked great. We will all miss you Ozzie all of your buddies from Raleigh. See you one day soon buddy and tell Pratt hello for me. Miss you already!!!!

  • Mike Kasopsky Posted August 26, 2024 9:36 pm

    Ozzie was one of my Brentwood buddies growing up. We lived behind each other. Some of our best times were playing football, baseball and wrestling in each other’s back yards. In our coming of age years several of us would end up in the other’s house once our parents went to work. Playing ping pong in his basement. Listening to Led Zeppelin in my house. Camping out in the back yards, raiding neighbors outdoor freezers and sneaking in the back way of the Forest Drive Inn theater. Later we both bought VW’s and it was on from there. 😆 Last saw him at our 25th high school reunion and was hoping to see again at next month’s 50th.
    Rest easy my ol’ friend

  • Larry Green Posted August 27, 2024 11:03 pm

    We all had great times in high school. Ozzy was always a good person . My condolences to his family and friends.

  • Skylar Posted September 11, 2024 6:28 pm

    Ozzie was my favorite customer at Petsmart Mayfaire. He was truly a gem and I enjoyed every single one of our conversations. Seeing him truly made my and many others who work at our locations day. He will be greatly missed and we hope that Crunchy gets all the crickets he wants.
    Love, his VBF (Very Best Friend)


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