David "Dave" Nelson

Dave Nelson of Enterprise, Alabama, went to his home in Heaven on March 6, 2025. He was 74.

Dave was born on February 12, 1951, in Sacramento, California to the late Edward and Gleda Nelson. He has one surviving favorite sister, Susan Francis of Montana, and two deceased sisters, Judy Sullivan, and Janet Doland.  He has been happily married to Victoria “Vicki” Nelson for 33 years. They met in a maximum-security prison – where they were both correctional officers.

Dave has four children, Matthew Nelson of Arizona, Christine Stearns of New Mexico, Faith Gregory of Nevada, and Michael Amatt of California.  He has four grandchildren, Leighton Nelson, Cole Nelson, Jordyn Amatt, and Elijah Amatt. A fifth grandchild, Rhiley Acton, preceded Grandpa in death.

Dave was proud of his military service in the USAF and was a military history buff. He then chose a career in law enforcement that lasted until his retirement in 2010.

Dave was a likeable man, known for his calm steadiness and sense of humor. His disarming personality instantly put people at ease. He loved hunting, fishing, and reloading ammo in his garage. He loved being at home or going out for a cup of coffee with one of his buddies. Most of all, he loved Jesus, his wife, family, his German Shepherd, Petra, and the USA. He liked a nice lawn, and the hated humidity and gnats failed to deter him from pushing his lawn mower in the heat. He was a tough old guy.

A Celebration of Life Party will be announced soon - no suits or ties allowed per Dave’s strict instructions. He wanted people to remember him with smiles and laughter, not tears.  Friends are encouraged to take their families out for a pizza in lieu of flowers or donations.