Rev. Franklin Nelson of Sheridan, Arkansas was born October 21, 1930, near Sheridan, the son of the late Jessie R. and Priscilla May Thompson Nelson. He was a United States Army Korean War veteran, and enjoyed tending to his cows on his farm. Bro. Franklin loved preaching the word. He pastored Providence Missionary Baptist church near Sheridan, Providence M.B.C. at Thornton, Cedar Branch M.B.C. near Grapevine, and New Hope #1 M.B.C. in Malvern. He really enjoyed hunting with his grandkids and great grandkids and was also a retired plumber.

Mr. Nelson died Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Saline Hospice at the age of 81.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Lewis "Bud" Nelson, Joshua Nelson, Beecher Nelson and Floyd Nelson.

Survivors include his wife, Frances May Young Nelson of Sheridan; sons, Marion and wife Ann Nelson of Fordyce, and Carey and wife Karen Heaster of Jefferson, Texas; daughter, Darlene and husband John McKinzie of Sheridan; grandsons, Jeremy and wife Emily Morris of Sheridan, Justin Morris of Magnolia, and Jordan and wife Paula Nelson of Fordyce; granddaughters, Samantha McKinzie of Sheridan, Jackie Nelson of Fordyce, and Beth Heaster of Bossier City, Louisiana; great grandsons, Caleb and Carson Morris of Sheridan; brothers, Bobby Nelson and Harvey Nelson, of Sheridan.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday November 26, 2011 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan with Bro. Danny Hill and Bro. Rick Etheridge officiating. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery near Sheridan. Visitation: 5:00-8:00 P.M. Friday.