Benjamin Howard Nelson, Jr., 73

Ben Nelson, known as “Pops” by his beloved family, passed away on February 4th, 2025. He was a devoted dad, a loving granddad, and a lover of the world that God created. He was an avid turkey hunter whose passion for the spring season was one of his greatest joys outside of his family. He loved his pets, especially Frank, the three-legged wonder dog. He adopted people everywhere he went, and loved with a heart that was generous, forgiving, and always had room for more.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Pops grew up in a life of service to others. He worked hard throughout his life, and never missed an opportunity to show up for people. He attended Murrah High School, graduated with a BA in Political Science from Millsaps College, and attended the University of the South School of Theology where he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1978.

He was ordained as an Episcopal priest in Gulfport, Mississippi and began serving churches in Mississippi, Alabama, and South Texas. He was a consummate pastor who loved his congregations and telling stories of God’s love and forgiveness in unique and memorable ways. He kept his sermons short and the message deep, reminding the world that “God don’t make no junk” and there’s always room for second chances. He loved to talk about the mystery and wonder of God’s love in our earthly relationships, and never let us forget that “there is a God, and you’re not it.” His faith was strong, even in the toughest times, and he fearlessly showed up for everyone he knew (and many he didn’t) because “that’s what Jesus would have done.” He could speak the hard truth with humor, tell a really terrible joke, give comfort or advice if you wanted (even if you didn’t), and most importantly, just sit there and listen.

Even in his “retirement,” he preached the Gospel at all times, rarely using words more than a few quick reminders about the power of forgiveness and showing up for others. There is a long list of people who have “Big Ben” stories about his overwhelming love and sharp witted responses to the tough questions that life throws at us. The memory of those responses is a living testament to his ability to love without question and give without strings attached.

He is survived by his sister, Lyn; and his children, Benjamin Nelson, III (Linda), Anna Lyn Whitt, Leslie Williams (Paul)  His eight grandchildren, Cooper, Jack, McKenna, Gaston, Maddie, Owen, Braden, and Rosanna will always know that “Pops loves ‘em” and will no doubt carry on the memories and stories. In addition to his family, he leaves a legacy of love to all the kids who threw the football in the driveway, rode four-wheelers around the yard, needed a ride from Applebee’s, sought refuge from tough things, and needed someone to be there for them… you know who you are, and Pops loved you too. Some of us have grown up, but we remember that Pops reminded us we could be immature forever. The world lost a good one when he left us, but his memory will always be a blessing. We know he rests in peace and will rise in glory, and that God will definitely continue to show up and show off in the world that he loved.

The memorial service and Holy Eucharist will be held at Noon on February 11, 2025 at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Tupelo, Mississippi . Visitation with the family will begin at 11 a.m. Memorial gifts can be made in Pops’ honor to the Saints’ Brew ministry at All Saints’. It is also suggested that you gather with your loved ones, make some red beans, eat some oysters, find a Krystal Burger, tell some stories… and remember that Pops loved you no matter what.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.