Almost every morning driving in or out of the city of Manning on the side of 260, you are sure to see the smiling face of George Douglas Nelson, Jr, more affectionately known to the citizens of Manning as “The Shrimp Man.”
George started dating the love of his life, Doris Brunson, in 1958 before he let for the National Guard. Upon returning, he married Doris in 1959 and worked for Julious Eadon’s oil company before pursuing a life in farming for the Durants. Eventually he opened his own operation, called Doug’s U Save, and ran it for many years. This is when he became knowledgeable about seafood, fish, and boiled peanuts.
“Gosh they were so good,” remembers granddaughter in law Jennifer Nelson. Nelson sold fish and seafood from there and this is where his infamous bold peanuts started.
When Al Nelson, Nelson Jr’s grandson, was little, he would go to work with his Pops and he would cook him peanuts, and Al would be too full to eat before supper.
Afterwards, Nelson devoted many years to the Clarendon County Recreational Department. It was from here that he retired. He did odd jobs, like selling golf carts and cars for a gentleman out of Turbeville. At this point, Nelson met Lee Kelley at Smith’s in Santee. This was about eight years ago, while he was selling fruit at a stand there.
Jennifer Nelson said, “They became fast friends even though Lee was many years younger than Pops. Pops and Grammy both became close to Lee, his wife Danielle, and his son Ethan. Lee had the idea to let Pops sell shrimp for him in Manning so that he didn’t have to drive all the way to Santee. Lee told Pops that as long as he was living he would have a job, and it was a job that Pops loved with his whole heart. He also loved wheeling and dealing with people , if you ever caught him at the end of the day you know exactly what the family means.”
Jennifer Nelson also said, “ Pops loved Manning! He told me recently that he and Grammy would be going somewhere and he would wave at whoever passed, and Grammy would ask him who they were, and he would tell her he didn’t know, but that’s what people in Manning do; they wave to everybody.”
And that he did. There was not a car that passed that Nelson did not smile big to, give a friendly wave, and greet warmly every day.
The following obituary is courtesy of Stephens Funeral Home
George Douglas Nelson, Jr., 86, husband of Doris Brunson Nelson, died Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Prisma Health Tuomey.
Born November 17, 1935, in Greeleyville, he was the son of the late George Douglas Nelson, Sr. and the late Itie Oliver Nelson. Affectionally known to all as “Pops”, he was Manning’s beloved Shrimp Man. He attended Bethesda Church of God.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 63 years, are two children, George Douglas Nelson, III of Sumter and Timothy Lee Nelson (Robin) of Manning; daughter in love, Lorene Nelson of Dalzell; six grandchildren, Al Nelson (Jennifer), Holley Nelson, Zane Nelson, Case Nelson, Parker Nelson and Dylan Justice (TJ Morris); five great grandchildren, AJ Nelson, Ansley Nelson, Izzy Nelson, Ian Nelson and Jude Morris; and his grand dog, Luna.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant boys.
Funeral services were held at 12 noon, Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Al Sims and Rev. Neil DuBose officiating. Burial will be held at DuRant - New Harmony Cemetery.
The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home of Al Nelson, 910 Winston Road, Sumter.
Pallbearers will be Mitch Harris, Jimmy Davis, TJ Morris, Mitch Gardner, Lee Kelly, Richard Matthews, Brad Brunson and Lee Stogner. Honorary Pallbearers will be David Young, Phillip Geddings, Don Brunson, Joey Henry and Roy Witherspoon.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
