Buddy Nelson

April 23, 1952 - March 17, 2022

John “Buddy” Ralph Nelson, Jr., age 69 of Sparta, NC passed away Thursday, March 17, 2022 at SECU Hospice Center in Yadkinville, NC. He was born April 23, 1952 in Surry County, NC to the late John Ralph and Dorothy Smitherman Nelson. He was also preceded in death by his wife Brenda Sides Nelson. Buddy was an avid car collector. He was a member of Alleghany and N.C. Tree Growers Association and grew some of the nicest trees in the county. He is survived by his sister Kathy Freeman; nieces, Holly Benton and husband Tim, Michelle Benton and husband Jim; son Chad Reece and wife Kim; granddaughter, Alexis Reece; father and mother-in-law Homer and Bonnie Sides; sisters-in-law Loretta Sides and fiancé Rick Long, Debra Sides Haynes and husband Mike; several nieces and nephews also survive. A private funeral service to honor the life of Buddy will be held at Grandview Memorial Funeral Home with Dr. Mike Haynes officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Sunday, March 20, 2022 at the funeral home. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made in memory of his dog Gracie to Twin Oaks Vet and Animal Shelter, 2970 US Highway 21 N., Sparta, NC 28675. Grandview Memorial Funeral Home is proudly serving the Nelson family and if you wish, online condolences may be submitted to the family at www.grandviewfuneralhome.com.