A.W. Nelson Jr.

A.W. Nelson Jr., 67, of Little Rock, formerly of Pine Bluff, died at home January 22, 2014. A talented architect and developer, A.W. was devoted to his family, his wife, children and grandchildren, and to his friends. He had many outside interests. He loved music of all kinds. An avid golfer, he loved traveling. He loved being at Eden Isle on Greers Ferry Lake, playing golf with friends and watching his grandchildren learn to ski, tube, and jet ski. He had a deep Christian faith, and was at peace with the diagnosis he received six months ago. Born November 23, 1946 in Springhill, Louisiana, the son of the late Ambros Wales Nelson and Sygual Irene Powell Nelson, he was reared in Springhill, graduating from Springhill High School in 1964. He received his degree in Architecture from Louisiana State University in 1971. A.W. married Marilyn Slack in Springhill on August 19, 1967. He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock and a former member of First United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, serving there on the Administrative Board. A.W. began his architectural career in 1971 for B&S Enterprises as a Construction Manager. In 1976, he started A.W. Nelson Jr. Architect, Pa., which later became Nelson Architectural Group. Over a 37 year career, he designed and developed a wide range of projects in Pine Bluff and throughout the states of Arkansas and Louisiana. He served as architect for PROUD (Preservation of our Urban District) in the early 1980's, proposing plans for alterations in Main Street Pine Bluff. His many projects included the major expansion of Illinois Tool Company, Camden Wire, Fire Stations throughout the City of Pine Bluff, the Jefferson County Detention Center, renovation of National Bank of Commerce, 202 Housing for the elderly in Pine Bluff and throughout Arkansas, Century Tube National Headquarters in Pine Bluff, First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center and Church remodeling, the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, Central Moloney Office Building, Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce Office Building, the Delta Rivers Nature Center, many projects for the Dollarway and Watson Chapel Schools, for SEARK College-the Advanced Emerging Technology Center and Master Plan Studies, for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff- the Johnny B. Johnson Dormitory, Business Building, UAPB Football Stadium and UAPB Master Plan, and many other renovations. For Simmons First National Bank and Corporation he designed and renovated branches throughout the state, including the SFNB main lobby, mezzanine, and adjoining SFNB buildings. A.W. was named Small Business Person of the Year by the Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce in 1990. In 1992, he formed a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity and became the first president. Habitat's first home for Linda Wade's family was dedicated on July 31, 1993. He served as a Simmons First National Bank Director from 1995 to present and was a Simmons Senior Loan and Executive Committee member. He was a former Board member of Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce, Fifty for the Future and Leadership Pine Bluff. He was also a past Director and Chairman of the Arts and Science Center and a member of Downtown Development and Volunteers in Public Schools. His survivors include his wife, Marilyn Slack Nelson; son, Alan Ambros Nelson and his wife Mary, of Grand Prairie, Texas; his daughters, Ashley Elizabeth Nelson Horn and her husband Keith, of Benton, Arkansas, Adrienne Lee Nelson McCaslin and her husband Geoff, of Arlington, Tennessee, Anna Katherine Nelson Pepper and her husband Justin, of Memphis, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Brian Audry Horn, Alexander Nelson Horn, Connor Phillips McCaslin, Caroline Woods McCaslin, Paul Ambros Nelson, Blake Robert Nelson, Wilson Wales Pepper; his sisters, Gloria Ann Mason of Springhill, Louisiana and Sygual Loretta Dickerson of Tomball, Texas. Services are Saturday, 2 p.m., at First United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff by Ralph Robinson & Son of Pine Bluff. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Memorials are requested to the Arts and Science Center Endowment, 701 Main Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601 and Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.