John Woodrow Nelson III

John Woodrow Nelson III passed away April 20, 2018 at his home.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 5th at Burnett’s Chapel United Methodist Church at 4 pm.  Visitation with the family will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

John was a talented, skilled, smart man, with a heart of gold. He always wanted to help others.  He was a 1985 graduate of Southern Guilford High School.   He was an unforgettable icon of the Sumner Community.  His trademark grin and laughter  were uncannily contagious. He loved his dog, donkey and mules and would often be seen riding one of his mules in the community.  He loved playing his banjo along with numerous other instruments.  He loved figuring things out and was a skilled mechanic as well as machinist.  If he couldn’t find the part he needed, he would make it.  John worked as a mechanic his entire life.  First in his little family garage behind the home place, where he would help his customers keep going no matter what.  Later he became a bus mechanic for the Guilford County School System.  

It has been said that John “Was a diamond in the ruff”.  This statement is undeniable true.  Diamonds are stones with flaws and imperfections, which only God can create and are very valuable and treasured.   It is in those flaws and imperfections that make them so unique and priceless.  John was a unique, priceless treasure that we as his family and friends were blessed to have known.

John is survived by his three sisters, Becky Nelson Broome (Steve) of Reidsville, N.C., Patricia Nelson Lankford and Nicole Marie Nelson both of Greensboro, N.C., Three nieces, Paige Brown, Olivia Lankford and Emily Broome.   

John is proceeded in death by his mother, Rachel Lawrence Nelson Materas, father, John Woodrow Nelson II, and his loving grandparents Irene and John Woodrow Nelson Sr.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Burnett’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 1201 Burnetts Chapel Rd., Greensboro, NC 27406, or the charity of your choice.

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