UNION:

Melvin Benjamin "Benjie" Nelson, Jr., 66, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024, in Lawrence, Mississippi. Born on September 11, 1958, in Levelland, Texas, Benjie was the son of Melvin Nelson, Sr. and Nell Nelson neé Sanders.

He spent his early years in Levelland, where he graduated from Levelland High School in 1977. Benjie furthered his education at Texas A&M University and earned an associate's degree from South Plains College.

Benjie's career spanned over three decades in multiple industries, where he was known for his dedication to craftsmanship and hard work. He spent over a decade-and-a-half at M&M Mars, retiring in 2008.  He worked on manufacturing Skittles in the Waco plant during his time there, although he was always a Peanut M&M fan.

He married Laurie Jill Pinkham on August 15, 1982, and together they shared 34 years of marriage. They had two children: Kate Rebecca and Andrew Benjamin. Benjie was a devoted grandfather to two grandchildren; uncle to one niece, one nephew, five grandnieces and grandnephews.

Benjie was an avid genealogist, documenting his family's history all the way back to the 1600's in England. He was known for his hard work and giving spirit and had a knack for carpentry and singing. His love of the Bible and knowledge of Scripture was admired by those he knew.

He is survived by his children, Kate Holcomb and Andrew Nelson; his son-in-law, Corey and daughter-in-law Josephine; his grandchildren, John Michael Holcomb and Scarlett Grace Holcomb; his sister, Jane Stroud; his niece, Tara and nephew Clint; his grandnieces and grandnephews, Briar, Elias, Raston, Brixtyn, and Braycen. He was predeceased by his parents, Melvin Nelson, Sr. and Nell Nelson; his sister, Bonnie Yates, and his brother-in-law, Terry Stroud.

A memorial will be held at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, November 10th at Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the church, reflecting Benjie's commitment to the work of ministry.

Benjie will be deeply missed but never forgotten.