Reverend Elder Samuel Robert Nelson was born June 14, 1941, in Bonneau, SC to late Lee and Florence Stretch Nelson. He was the seventh of twelve children. God called the Roll on Friday, September 10, 2021 and Samuel answered, "Here am I."

Sam attended public school in Bonneau and Russellville, SC. He played basketball and football at Russellville High School and was known as "Big Sam from Bonneau". He moved to New Haven, CT in 1959 where he graduated from Hillhouse High School Adult Education Program.

Sam met the love of his life Eula Gaynell Harris in 1961 at mutual friends baby shower. They were united in holy matrimony on October 27, 1962. This joyous union lasted 58 wonderful years.

Sam worked at several different companies over the years including Sikorsky and National Gypsum. His last job in Connecticut was as a Foremen for U.S. Steel Corp. He worked there until the plant closed in December 1979.

Sam, looking for a change for his family, decided to relocate back "home" to the Forty-One Community of Bonneau, South Carolina. Once in South Carolina he worked at Berkeley County Water and Sanitation (BCW&S) where he retired in 2008.

Sam started his early Christian walk at Community Baptist Church in New Haven, CT in 1966 under the leadership of the late Rev. William Philpot and then the late Rev. Thomas E. Holmes. After relocating back to South Carolina in 1980, he and his family joined Jehovah Baptist Church in Bonneau, SC under the leadership of the late Rev. David L. Addison. Sam was ordained as a Deacon on October 24, 1982. He became a licensed minister in December 1985 and was ordained into the Gospel Ministry by authority and order of the Antioch Baptist Association, Pineville, SC under the leadership of Rev. Leon G. Brown, Moderator on March 10, 1991.

Rev. Nelson served the Antioch Baptist Association by being the Missionary Minister to the following: Jehovah, Day Dawn, St. Peter, Hickory Hill, Tabernacle and Jerusalem Baptist Churches. Also, he was a former President and Vice President of the St. James Union. Rev. Nelson continued his education by taking classes at Cathedral Bible College in Myrtle Beach, SC and Morris College School of Religion in Pineville, SC. He attended Carolina Theological Bible Institute and received his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry in December 2014 and Master of Divinity in May 2016.

Rev. Nelson became Interim Pastor for St. Peter Baptist Church in Pineville, SC in July 2006. He accepted the Pastoral charge and was voted in as Pastor in January 2007 and installed in August 2007. Under his leadership, the church grew spiritually, and the membership increased steadily until his retirement in December 2017. He was a true Sheperd of his flock. No matter when or where, in-state, or out-of-state, night or day, he would be by his members' side. He always supported them in their time of need not only spiritually, but he was physically present.

Rev. Nelson and his wife joined Birthing of Miracles Ministries in St. Stephen, SC under the leadership of Overseer Apostle Barbara J. W. Ravenell, Founder and Elder Fredrick Ravenell, Pastor in June 2018. He was affectionately known as "Pop" and was on the ministerial staff, taught Sunday school and was a mentor to many. On June 14, 2021, he as ordained as an Elder of the church.

Rev. Nelson did not have a favorite team; although he loved sports, especially football and basketball. He liked to play Bid whist, doing word search games, working on cars and keeping them clean and shiny. He also loved his many suits and hats. He loved to travel to visit family and friends and especially loved cruising. He looked forward to the bi-annual cruises where he met new friends that became family. He loved his family and showed it by always teasing his nieces and nephews.

He was always willing to give advice; whether you wanted to listen or not. He loved to hold impromptu bible lessons where he would open his bible and ask you to " Ask me a question? "  His favorite song was " Hold me Jesus". One of his favorite quotes was "Stay out of God's Business ".

Sam was preceded by: his parents, Lee and Florence Stretch Nelson; his siblings, Allen Stretch, Sarah N. Thompson, Joseph Nelson, Mary N. Mazyck, Aaron Nelson, Henry Nelson, Ellamae Nelson, Benn L. Nelson and Rosa N. Owens; and cousin and lifelong friend, Percy Gethers.

Rev. Nelson leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Eula Gaynell Nelson; two sons, Roger Nelson and Hugh (Eddie) Nelson (Marshietta) of St. Stephen, SC; three daughters, Terry Williams (Frederick), Sonya Nelson and Tonya Nelson of New Haven, CT; one special son, Willie Lee Dixon of Kingston, NY; seven grandchildren: Courtney Nelson of St. Stephen, SC, Allison Bennett (Daniel) of North Charleston, SC, Kirk Crawford (Juliette) and Dashawn Crawford of Goose Creek, SC, Trinity  Waring of Moncks Corner, SC, Byron Williams of Hamden, CT and Morice Smalls of  New Haven, CT and ten great-grandchildren; two brothers, Minister Louis Nelson  (Minister Virginia) of Goose Creek, SC and Leroy Nelson (Nancy) of Bonneau, SC; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth McKoy of Marlboro, NY and Nancy Nelson of West Haven, CT; special grandchildren, Xavier Nelson and Madison Nelson of Columbia, SC; lifelong friends, Mozelle Gethers of Hamden, CT, and Samuel and Rosa McCray of New Haven, CT; two godchildren, Michael Davis of Hamden, CT and SPC Toni Mose U.S. Army, Charleston, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and  friends.

"Beloved and precious husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and faithful friend"

Viewing will be held Monday, September 13, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home (Moncks Corner). Face masks are required.

Graveside service will be held Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Birthing of Miracles Ministries Cemetery, 1151 Santee River Road, St. Stephen, SC. Please wear a face mask and practice social distancing.