of Little Rock, AR

May 25, 1947 - October 18, 2023

Bernard Lloyd Nelson was born May 25, 1947 in Racine, Wisconsin to Bernard Wilhelm Nelson and Edith Indruch Nelson. He lived there until the age of two when his family relocated to Little Rock, AR. He attended and graduated from Little Rock Public Schools and attended both UA Fayetteville and UALR. Before graduating, he left college to join the United States Navy at the height of the Vietnam War. He served honorably for four years.

After completing his military service he worked for Southwestern Bell in various management and engineering positions, retiring after 35 years. After retirement he was self-employed, specializing in what he loved best, restoration of old homes.

January 8, 1994 he married his beloved Rebecca Ferguson Clarke and created a blended family. He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Rebecca; Daughter, Rachel Nelson (granddaughter, Sadie); Son, Shane Willis (wife, Crystal and grandson, Caleb); Step-daughter, Cynthia Fehrenbach (husband, Dennis and grandson, Reece) and Step-son, Jeff Sipes. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Douglas Jon Nelson.

Although raised a Lutheran, he became a Methodist and joined the Pinnacle View United Methodist Church.

October 1, 2012, he received the devastating diagnosis of ALS. He defied all odds by living 13 years after developing symptoms. As with every other aspect of his life, his focus was not on himself but on those he loved. Despite the increasing loss in physical ability over time, he chose to focus on his gratitude to those who cared for him and every act of grace received.

Once, when asked how he would like to be remembered, he said that he would just hope to be remembered as a good man. He succeeded exceptionally.

The family wishes to thank the VA Home Based Primary Care program, the VA MICU staff and the many caregivers who attended to him over the years. In particular, a heartfelt thanks is given to Leland Shelton, Travis Bowman, Rebecca Tucker, Elizabeth Spencer and Uniya Bradley for their competent and compassionate care.

Bernie's funeral will be held at 1:00pm Friday, October 27, 2023 at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church, 20100 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, Arkansas 72223, with visitation at 12:00 Noon. The Reverend Betsy Singleton Snyder will officiate.

Burial, with United States Navy Honors, will be held at 1:30pm Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Ferguson Valley Cemetery, 4597 Coulter Mountain Rd, Booneville, AR 72927.

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