Robert Marion "Mickey" Nelson

Sunday, September 19, 1943 – Wednesday, February 25, 2026

With shattered hearts, we announce the passing of Robert Marion "Mickey" Nelson, 82, who left this earthly realm Wednesday, February 25th, in Glenwood, Georgia, with his wife and daughter by his side. Rumors have emerged indicating there were mild ground tremors in Athens at the exact moment of this great Bulldog's passing, but no data could be verified.

Mickey was born September 19, 1943, and spent his youth in rural Telfair/Wheeler County, Georgia, where he attended Union School in the Hinson Hill area. By his upper grades, Mickey was enrolled in the Wheeler County School System, where he began to hone his considerable academic and athletic gifts. Showing skill in the charm department, too, it's been said Mickey once declared, "I'm gonna to marry that girl," upon his first glimpse of a cute, talented and spunky basketball player across the crowded court. (Spoiler alert: he would go on to do just that.)

Later, Mickey attended Middle Georgia State University in Cochran on a baseball scholarship, where he won the title "Mr. Middle Georgia" during his tenure. Next, Mickey earned a degree in pharmacy at the University of Georgia in Athens, married that formidable little basketball player, and moved his bride to McRae. He built a happy, service-driven life, welcomed a baby girl into the world and ran a local pharmacy institution—Ryal's Drug Store—for decades.

Mickey faithfully attended McRae First Baptist Church, where he became a Deacon for more than 5 decades. He celebrated the successes of others and the community as a whole, feeling honored to serve on the Board of Directors at Merchants & Citizens Bank for many years.

To say Mickey will be missed by his loved ones is almost absurdly inadequate. His passing leaves an unfillable hole, although his family takes some comfort knowing he is likely telling a story to a new friend in Heaven right now, laughing loudly and gripping someone's hand very tightly. To know Mickey was to love him, and he knew so, so many.

His generosity knew no bounds, and he was loyal to a fault. Mickey was warm, authentic, never met a stranger in his life, and possessed a near-impossible work ethic. The depth of his empathy and compassion for others is unrivaled. Mickey never held grudges, celebrated your successes like his own, overlooked any flaws, and prized faith, honor, sincerity and selflessness. He hated snobbery, treated everyone with the dignity they deserve and believed we all have value. Mickey's family is grateful he can rest now after many years of healing others.

Mickey is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth.

He is survived by his wife, Gwen Ellen Clark Nelson; his daughter, Amy Laura Nelson Lott; his son-in-law, John Mark Lott; his grandson, Harrison Robert Lott; and his granddaughter, Hartley Belle Lott.

Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2026 at McRae First Baptist Church, with funeral services to follow at 3 p.m. in the same location. Reverend Sam Quick will officiate. Interment will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery.

You may express your condolences online at lowesfuneralhome.net.

Lowes Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.