JACKSON — Earl Joe “Coach” Nelson Sr. died Monday, June 4, 2012, in Jackson. He was 74.

A native of Cleveland, Mr. Nelson was a graduate of East Side High School. He attended Jackson State University and the University of Southern Mississippi, receiving Bachelor and Master of Science degrees with a concentration in education. He served as an instructor and coach for more than 40 years, including in the Vicksburg Public Schools. He was a former member of Pleasant Green Church of Vicksburg.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosie Lee Nelson; his parents, Ollie and Oddie Lee Nelson; and a sister, Norma Lee Brooks.

He is survived by two sons, Earl Joe Nelson Jr. of Biloxi and Daryl Nelson of Memphis; a brother, W.D. Nelson of Indianapolis, Ind.; and six grandchildren.

Services will be at noon Saturday at Word and Worship Church, 6286 Hanging Moss Road in Jackson. Burial will follow at Garden Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 until 7 p.m. Friday at Lakeover Funeral Home of Jackson, 1525 Beasley Road, with family present from 5 until 7.