Elvis James Nelson, Jr., 84 years, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Allen, Texas, after a lengthy battle with long COVID.
Born on October 5, 1940, in Grove, Delaware County, Oklahoma, Elvis was preceded in death by his parents, Elvis James Nelson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Rubye Lorene (Scuggins) Nelson of Grove, Oklahoma, as well as his son, Jonathan Owen Nelson of New Orleans, Louisiana.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Nelson of Allen, Texas, to whom he was married for 41 years; his daughter, Vanessa Nelson Blondeau (Michael) of Denham Springs, Louisiana; his sister, Linda Nelson Goos (John) of Elk Horn, Iowa; his two granddaughters, Courtney and Hailey Blondeau of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and multiple nieces and nephews.
Elvis was a lifelong learner, earning multiple degrees throughout his life: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (University of Nebraska-1962); Master of Business Administration (Harvard University-1969); Bachelor of Science in Accounting (Central State University-1980); and Certified Public Accountant (State of Texas-1984).
Elvis had a distinguished career that spanned both military and civilian service. He began his career in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a Second Lieutenant at Sheppard Air Force Base (Texas) in 1962, a Captain at Cam Ranh Bay (South Vietnam) in 1970, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982 at Tinker Air Force Base (OK). Following his military service, he transitioned to the private sector as an accountant, eventually settling in Dallas, Texas, where he worked until his retirement in 2023.
Proud of his Cherokee Nation citizenship, Elvis was an active member of the Cherokee Community of North Texas (CCNT). He was honored with the Cherokee Medal of Patriotism in 2013 and designated a Cherokee Elder in 2023. His service to the local community was honored by the City of Parker with a citation in 2023.
A devoted follower of Christ, Elvis was a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church and also attended Brookhaven Church.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 2, 2025, at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cherokee Community of North Texas Scholarship Fund (4244 Peppermill Lane, Dallas, TX 75287) or Samaritan’s Purse (P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607).