Ray M. Nelson had a gentle and peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones at IU Health Bloomington Hospital on Friday, April 28, 2023, after an extended battle with congestive heart failure and pulmonary fibrosis.

Ray was born on November 16, 1931, in Cato, Indiana, to Peodker and Hazel Nelson. The family later relocated to Lafayette, IN, where he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1949 and from Purdue University with a B.S. in Science Education in 1953. He taught high school for three years and then went to work for Procter and Gamble in Cincinnati, OH. In 1952 Ray married Adene Fox, and they were a devoted couple until her death in 2005. In 1974, Ray and family moved to Tennessee where Ray worked for the next twenty years in the Pringles Potato Chip factory in Jackson. The family lived in Brussels, Belgium for nearly five years where Ray oversaw the construction of a Proctor and Gamble factory and also preached for the Church of Christ there. He enjoyed traveling and talking about his time and experiences in Europe.

Shortly after retirement, Ray continued his education by earning an M.Ed. from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson. In 2006, he married Helen Reagan, and they made their home in Ellettsville, IN where they shared sixteen wonderful years together, traveling and enjoying time with family and friends.

Ray is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Tom Nelson (Brenda); daughter, Jody Sanford; stepson, Larry Reagan (Jennifer); step-daughter, Deborah Alexander (Lyman); brother, Earl Nelson; brother, Roald Nelson; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Adene, his parents, brother Robert, and an infant daughter.

At Ray's request, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Liberty Church of Christ in Solsberry, IN where Ray was an active member until his health began failing. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service.

Ray was active in support of the Berean Children's Home in Bogue Chitto, Mississippi (bereanchildrenshome@gmail.com or 601-823-5776) and would have favored donations there in lieu of flowers.

Ray's family also wants to thank the staff at IU Health Hospital for the kind attention and treatment Ray received there during his last days, especially Dr. Ivy Lee of the palliative care team, Mary Beth of IU Hospice, Kara and Hannah, his last nurses, and Chaplain Gina who visited and comforted him many times. You all were so careful to inform and reassure Ray and helpful to all of us in walking this last road.