James Franklin "Frank" Nelson, 88, of Roanoke Rapids, died Monday, June 15, 2009, at the VA Hospital in Durham.

Mr. Nelson was a native of Halifax County, the son of the late Hort Larkin Nelson and Epsie Bell Nelson. He was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving during World War II. Mr. Nelson was a POW and a recipient of a Purple Heart. Frank loved to go to the mall and sit around and talk to everyone. He was a member of Park Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Brock Nelson; a daughter, Elaine Nelson Hunt; a son, Larry Bearden, several brothers and sisters, Luby, Luther, Willie, Bill, Mandy, Marvin, Finn, Gertie, and Alford, and a granddaughter, Tracey Nelson.

Mr. Nelson is survived by two sons, Joseph L. "Joe" Nelson, Sr. and his wife, Faye, of Roanoke Rapids, and Haywood Ray Nelson of Halifax; eleven grandchildren, Joseph L. "JL" Nelson and his wife, Angie, Lisa Price and her husband, Paul, Tammy Nelson Strickland, Tina Nelson, Timmy Nelson, Thad Nelson, Amy Hunt, Jimmy Bearden, Terry Bearden, Tammy Bearden, and Juanita Bearden; five great-grandchildren, Alyssa Nelson, Chase Nelson, Nicole Price, Jerry Price and Katelynn Price; one sister, Ruth Nelson Ballew of Mt. Airy; and his special companion, Spike.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements, where funeral services will be held in the chapel Thursday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Julian Mills officiating. The family will receive friends following the services until 8:30 p.m. and other times at 1109 Bolling Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC. Interment will be Friday, June 19, at 1:00 p.m. at Stanly Gardens of Memory in Albemarle, NC with military rites.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Victory Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 189, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Nelson’s service to his country.