NELSON, Richard Leroy (Roy)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, February 09, 2011 Richard Leroy Nelson Richard Leroy (Roy) went to be with the Lord on Feb. 5, 2011, at the VA in Prescott, Ariz. He was born on July 27, 1928, in Utica, Pa. Roy was a guitar picker who loved gospel and bluegrass. Along with wife Phyllis and the kids, they formed a family gospel band that the kids grew up in. They all learned to play on his Gibson guitar, which his son, Dave, will play at his funeral, along with the remaining family members. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1948-1956 aboard aircraft carriers as a mechanics' helper. He did many types of work through his life, including being a piano tuner, having the great honor to tune a piano once for Ray Charles. At 46, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a long-haul trucker, which remained his career until he retired at 62. His past few years were spent enjoying his closest buddy, his "Kitty Cat" Jezebel, watching every baseball game on TV, eating mountains of chocolate and playing poker with his friends at The Adult Center in Prescott. (Thank you, wonderful staff, for taking care of Daddy). He is survived by his children, John (Pam) Nelson of Willow Springs, Mo., Dave Nelson of Bellflower, Calif., and Amy Nelson of Chino Valley, Ariz.; their mother, Phyllis Carlson of Prescott, Ariz.; son-in-law Joe Canuel of Paulden, Ariz.; sister Lillian (Charles) Carnahan of Utica, Pa.; grandsons Waylon and Nicholas Canuel and Donavan Nelson; three great-granddaughters, Pearl Nelson, Emmaly and Evelyn Canuel; and extended family. He was also considered Daddy/Grandpa Roy to many others. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Glenda Canuel; his parents; and his brother John Nelson. Roy was a truly honorable man who lived his life as an example of his faith. He was strong, true and honest to a fault - a humble man of great character. Visitation is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, at Chino Valley Funeral Home. A celebration of life is at 10 a.m. at Chino Valley Funeral Home. Chino Valley Funeral Home is caring for the family. Please share a memory with Richard's family at www.heritagefuneralchapels.com. Information provided by survivors.
Posted by Judy Wight Branson on February 10, 2011

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