Carl Edward "Hitman" Nelson

Romans 14:8 states, “For if we live, we live unto the Lord: and if we die, we die unto the Lord..” The only comfort and security we have in this life is that we belong to the Lord. Carl was merely lent to us as a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a friend until November 25, 2007, when the Lord called him home. All who love him will truly miss him, and we will always carry him in our hearts. Carl Nelson was born the eldest of six children on January 12, 1952, to Cornelius Nelson and Mamie Ruth Collins Nelson. He was raised in Bearden, Arkansas, where at an early age he joined Macedonia AME Church in Bearden under Rev. E. Kingsby. He later moved to Sparkman, Arkansas, where as an adult he visited Macedonia Baptist Church. Carl graduated from Bearden High School and went on to attend the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Capital City Business College in Little Rock. It was during his college years that he decided traveling was his true love. Carl became a truck driver and traveled the country for over 30 years. He became known by hundreds of fellow drivers and friends as “Hitman”. At the time of his departure, he was employed at Frank Thompson, Inc., in El Dorado, Arkansas. Carl was a passionate and outspoken man who enjoyed life. He loved working with his hands and could build or fix anything. His other hobbies were fishing, playing cards and dominoes. He also loved listening to music and spending time with family and friends. On October 16, 1973, Carl married his best friend, Betty Ann Carter, who remained by his side until his departure. During the 34 years they were married, they traveled the country, and they shared good times and bad times together. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sharon Tidwell and his brother, Michael Ferrell. Left to celebrate his life is his wife, Betty, and beloved children: Steven A. Parham of Rockford, Illinois; Melanie (John) Black of St. Louis, Missouri; Carla (Ferris) Keller of McKinney, Texas and Tarlisha “Lisa” Nelson of Arkadelphia; his grandchildren, Jaylon Nelson, Joshua Black, and Jordan Black; three sisters, Phyllis Ferrell and Valarie (Carl) Hartley of Bearden, Marilyn Lowe of Little Rock; his uncle, Billy Ray Newton of El Dorado, his father and mother in-in-law, Elmer and Lucille Carter of Sparkman; three brothers-in-laws: Charles Tidwell of Bearden; Freddie (Fay) Carter and Emmanuel (Debra) Carter of Arkadelphia; four sisters-in-law, Sylvia Ferrell of Camden; Audrey Carter and Ava Carter of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Brenda (J. T.) of Little Rock and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. You may visit Carl “Hitman” Nelson at Williams Funeral Home on Friday, November 30, 2007, from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family will greet friends and share the Images of Life DVD from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Betty and the children have planned a celebration of life for Mr. Carl E. Nelson on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Macedonia AME Church in Bearden, Arkansas, Rev. W. Boyce, pastor & officiating and Rev. J. L. Newborn, Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church - Sparkman, will be the eulogist. The committal service and final resting place will be in the White Springs Community Cemetery, Bearden, Arkansas. A reception honoring the life of Carl E. Nelson will be in the fellowship hall of Macedonia Baptist Church in Sparkman. The body will lie in state one hour prior to service time at the church. Active bearers of the casket will be Andrew Greer, Bobby Clark, Ricky Carter, Elroy Davis, Gary Johnson, and Kendall Quarles. Honorary bearers of the casket will be Henry Ankton, Horace Carter, Freddie Carter, Samuel Johnson, Jr., Allen Ray Lowe, and Robert L. Johnson.