LaPorte:  Ray Minor Nelson age 81 of LaPorte, Texas peacefully passed away in his home on December 25, 2020.

Ray was born April 23, 1939 in Seward, Nebraska to Clifford and Mabel (Minor) Nelson. During his sophomore year in high school, his family relocated to Colorado.  While attending Limon High School, he participated in various sports, the school band and graduated in 1957. After high school and attending some college, Ray worked with his father in various construction jobs, he was a retail manager for several companies, owned his own vending machine company and worked for Continental and Delta Airlines in the baggage departments.  He ended his career working at Home Depot in the appliance department.

On July 3, 1969, Ray married Elaine Hill. They were blessed with a blended family of Ray's four daughters, Elaine's two sons and one daughter as well as a son born to the two of them together. Ray continued his love of sports as an adult by watching and playing softball, baseball and especially golfing with his boys. He found joy in umpiring various sports, bowling and fishing. Ray and Elaine enjoyed traveling, gambling, taking cruises with family that often included gambling and living in their lake house in Livingston, Texas. Sadly, Ray's Mother became ill and the couple decided to sell their lake house in order to move in with his Mother so the two of them could care for her through her final days. Ray and Elaine continued to live a happy life together until her passing on July 16, 2007. Although stricken with grief, Ray still continued working in appliance sales until he suffered a stroke on February 28, 2018. This resulted in a forced retirement from his career that he enjoyed and worse; an end to the thrill of golfing with his boys.

Ray's greatest treasure was his grandchildren. Watching them grow and seeing them in all their extra-curricular activities gave him pride beyond measure. It didn't matter what they were participating in, Ray would be there with a smile on his face.

Ray was an extremely social person.  When given an invitation, it was almost guaranteed Ray would accept.  Not only would he attend, he was known for bringing his opinion with him whether the opinion was wanted or not. You always knew where he stood on any given subject.  His intentions were never ill, rather he just felt compelled to let you know how he felt. These social gatherings also contributed to his love of talking to anyone and everyone and allowed him a platform to tell one of his many tall tales.  Ray always had a story to tell and never met a stranger.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Mabel Nelson; wife Elaine Nelson; brother, Ron Nelson; granddaughter, Misty Ohlemacher; and great-granddaughter, Madison Creagh.

Left to cherish his memory are his children; Diana Ohlemacher, Gary (Star) Hill, Debbie Johnson, Dean (Rachel) Hill, Linda (Bob) Coburn, Janet (Don) Befort, Lori (Chris) Lee and Bryan (Theresa) Nelson; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family members including his sister-in-laws Ruth Nelson and Phyllis Glock.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at South Shore Harbor Country Club; 4300 South Shore Blvd. League City, Texas 77573 with James Crum officiating. Per Ray's wishes, cremation has already taken place.

In honor of Ray, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in Ray's name to The LaPorte High School Football Booster Club.  Please mail to: LaPorte High School 1002 San Jacinto Laporte, TX 77571 Att: Atletic Department.