Walfred Nelson Jr

Walfred Alton "Wally" Nelson, Jr. was born on March 23, 1933 in Glendale, California and grew up in southern California. He graduated in 1950 from North Hollywood High School. Following graduation from high school Wally met Velma Luttrell while they were both working part time jobs at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital. Their first date was set up by Velma's sister and Wally had to borrow money from her to take Velma out. On November 3, 1951 Wally and Velma were married in Tijuana, Mexico. Wally married Velma again in May of 1952 in Las Vegas, Nevada just to be sure it was a legally United States recognized marriage prior to his entrance into the U.S. Navy. Wally was in boot camp in San Diego, California and attended service schools in Norman, Oklahoma. He was then stationed at Pensacola, Florida for three years. While he was in Florida, Wally was scheduled to have a hernia operation and was scared of dying. A neighbor told him about Jesus Christ and Wally decided to accept the gift of salvation.

In 1955, Wally and Velma were blessed with the birth of their first child, Crisy. A year later Wally was honorably discharged from the Navy and moved back to California. Wally worked for various companies back home while he was attending college and in 1957 a second child, Randy was born. In 1961 Wally began working for the California Department of Corrections as a counselor for inmates. He retired from the department in 1992 as a Program Administrator. Wally was involved heavily in prison ministry. He developed a series of bible study programs for inmates, conducted bible studies and distributed bibles.

In 1999, Wally and Velma moved to Texas. He referred to the move as an act of divine intervention - moving him closer to his children. At the time Crisy lived in Hawaii and Randy was in Texas. They decided Hawaii was just not feasible so they chose Texas.

Wally was diagnosed with Carcinoid Cancer in 2000 and over the course of the following 11 years Wally spent time with a carcinoid support group, visiting family in Texas, annual trips (and sometimes more) to visit family in Hawaii and joined Chase Oaks Church in Plano. Wally and Velma traveled to California to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and were blessed to celebrate 60 years of marriage at home in Texas. Wally established many wonderful Christian relationships in Texas, he participated in Coaches for Christ - an RV traveling group and participated in MAPP - helping to rebuild church campuses.

Wally held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Biola University, a Master of Arts from Pepperdine University, a Certificate of Completion - Section 832 of the California Penal Code, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and held community college instructor credentials with Sonoma Community Colleges.

Wally passed from this life on December 24, 2011 at his home with family by his side. He is survived by his loving wife Velma, daughter Christine Nelson Ing and husband Melvin, son Randy Nelson and wife Carole, Grandchildren Jennifer Laureanoclaudio, Monica Williams, Melissa Higgins, Michelle Evans, Randy Nelson, Jr., Shelby Nelson, 10 Great Grandchildren and sister Carolyn Emmons and husband Robert.

The family will greet friends at a visitation from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Allen Family Funeral Options, 2120 W. Spring Creek Pkwy Plano, Texas 75023. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Friday, December 30, 2011 at Chase Oaks Church, 281 Legacy Drive Plano, Texas 75023 with Pastor Steve McPherson officiating. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Rockwall, Texas.

If desired, the family suggests memorials be made to Carcinoid Cancer Support Group ATTN: Carole - Anne Wilson 2609 Winsor Place Plano, Texas 75075.