Joseph F. Nelson, Jr.

Joseph Francis Nelson, Jr, affectionately referred to as Joe, was born September 30, 1947.  He was the eldest and much-loved offspring of Kathryn Gertrude (Willis) Nelson and Joseph Francis Nelson, Sr.  Joe was the big brother of Charles (Chuck) David Nelson, Barbara Nelson Kenney, and Terry Lee Nelson.  Joe attended New Richmond Elementary, Middle, and High School graduating in 1965.  He played on numerous sports teams, of which football was his beloved passion.  

As a child he attended the Methodist church in Batavia where he was originally baptized and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  Joe was a mischievous child and loved to tease.  It wasn't always easy being his younger sibling.  For example, Chuck wasn’t allowed to go to the school library his freshman year solely because he as the younger brother of Joe, who had a naughty reputation.  Joe took pleasure in scaring Terry and Barb until they screamed and cried. However, there was an advantage to having Joe as a brother, nobody could or would bother any of Joe's siblings.  

After high school, Joe became an apprentice with the Cement Mason Union Local 132 and worked as an active Cement Mason for more than 50 years. Joe was extremely proud of his employment with Messer & Sons, as well as Baker Construction Company and loved recanting how he was part of the crew that constructed the Paul Brown Stadium. 

He met and married Deborah Bradberry on May 6, 1972, from this union they had two children, Marisa Bradberry Nelson (who preceded Joe in death on April 3, 2012) and Joseph Francis Nelson III (Joey) who currently resides in Cincinnati.  Joe was an involved father and coached Joey's football team, Hill Top Hawks, for many years.  He loved attending family functions, enjoyed attending the annual family reunions of both the Willis and Smith sides, and loved to keep up with family and friends.

Joe met Joan Duke in 2010 and they later married June 16, 2013.  They have enjoyed 9 years of happiness where they worshipped at Christ Emmanuel Christian Fellowship.  Together they loved to travel and experience new adventures.  He was Papa to all the grandchildren.  Joan tenderly cared for him during his many illnesses.  Joseph transitioned on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, and went home to be with his Lord and joined those who have preceded him:  His mother, father, daughter, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. OH, WHAT REJOICING THAT WILL BE!! 

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Joan, son Joseph, siblings Chuck (Kathy), Barbara, and Terry (Sharon), step-daughter Lorian Dixon (fiancé Jaymar), step-son Robert Dixon III (Nicole), grandsons Artez Ramone Phoenix II, Josiah Nelson Wade, Jaymar Allen Hines Jr, Garland Robert Dixon IV, Garvin R. Dixon, granddaughters Brielle Ballard, Brianna Dixon, Bre'Ana Haskins, Jayla Hines and great-grandson, Artez Ramone Phoenix III, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

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