Riley Wayne Nelson Sr. died Monday, March 31, 2014 at his home in Vicksburg. He was 70.

Mr. Nelson was an avid deer and duck hunter, loved fishing and camping, and was an outdoor activist. Riley was kind, compassionate, loving and generous to everyone; he loved his fellow man. He was very active in his faith, serving as a deacon and Sunday school teacher and was active in his church in numerous ways. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Brenda, his children, family and friends

For over 40 years, he was a senior electrical engineer technician for the U.S Army Engineer Research Development Center and was a teacher at Hinds Community College.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Nelson of Vicksburg; son, Riley Wayne Nelson, Jr. (Anne Marie), of Madison; daughters, Rebecca Mae (Steve) Scott of Hattiesburg, Amy Lynn (Mark) Armstrong, of Texas; granddaughters, Kennedy Victoria Nelson, of Madison, Brandy Nicole Armstrong, of Texas, Hallie Nicole Nettles, of Vancleave; Bailey Elise, of Brandon; stepdaughters, Brooke Kittrell (Hunter) of Richland; Amy Brown (Brian) of Brandon; sisters, Josie Keith (Grady), Nell Speaks, both of Tupelo; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clyde and Ruthie Mae Nelson; his daughter, Jennifer Jo Nettles of Vicksburg; and his brothers, James Nelson and Herb Nelson.  Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Frank J. Fisher Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bruce Bryant officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. until the hour of service Thursday.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 2878 Old Highway 27, Vicksburg, MS 39180.

Pallbearers will be Danny Sumrall, Scott Partridge, Ed Cain, Robby Cook, Matt Middleton, James Pickel, Russell Sumrall, Quint Stenson. Honorary pallbearers will be Grady Keith, Dan Sumrall, R.C. Quarles, Andy Burt, Lee Miller, Mike Waring, Jim Teaford, Charlie Newling, Joe Crist, Darrell Evans, Jim Veazey, Brian Brown.