Mr. Nelson was born July 2, 1944, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Harold Vernon, Jr. and Lucy Faye (Mobley) Nelson.

Through his childhood, his father’s employment with the railroad took him to various cities including Sanford and Ocala, Florida, and then to Dothan in 1960. He graduated from Dothan High School in 1963.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War. He was enlisted for several years before marrying Paula Kay King on June 4, 1971, in Dothan, Alabama. His military career took him on more travels around the world and various base assignments before his retirement in Jacksonville, Florida in 1989 after 27 years of services.

After serving a full career in the military, he brought his family back to his and his wife’s roots in Dothan, Alabama. He was employed by Wiregrass Truss as a driver for 14 years, retiring in 2006.

Throughout his life and in retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, needlepoint, golf, computers, and watching the races.

Mr. Nelson was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

His family wrote: Harry’s career took him to many beautiful lands but his heart was always with his family back home. Harry lived his life with honor, integrity, and a sense of adventure.

He is survived by his wife, Paula Nelson; mother, Lucy Faye Mobley Nelson; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Misty (Cooper) Nelson; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and William Grafton; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Joslyn Nelson, Alexandra and Brooklyn Grafton, and Autumn and Summer Eisenman; brother and sister-in-law, Kelly and Carol Nelson, all of Dothan, Alabama; and extended family.

Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by his father, Harold Vernon Nelson, Jr.; and an infant grandson, Tyler Nelson.

The family of Harold Vernon Nelson, III would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and nurses of Covenant Hospice of Dothan for their continued support and care.

Visitation will be tonight from 5:00 to 7:00 pm , May 7, 2008 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held in the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 8, 2008 with the Rev. Henry Johnson and Chaplain Tom Heddle officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Honors III at Memory Hill Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to Covenant Hospice of Dothan, Alabama.