Howard Lee Nelson

Howard Lee Nelson 70, of Benton passed away peacefully July 8, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness. Howard was born April 19, 1952, in Tampa, FL to Clarence & Sarah Nelson. Growing up in a military family, Howard traveled the world in his childhood meeting many friends along the way. Always a people person, his jobsafter high school centered around customer service. In 1979 he began working in the lumber industry and continued in this career until he retired from Quality Wholesale Lumber in 2017. Howard enjoyed golfing, watching sports, pranking others, being with friends and family, and visiting his other home in Punta Gorda, FL.

Howard is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Vicki Nelson, daughters Christy Renfroe (Mark, a very special son in law) of Lena, MS, and Jennifer Nelsonof Benton, AR, grandsons Jack and Evan Renfroe of Lena, MS, his mother, who is 101 years young, Sarah Nelson of Ozark, AL, brothers Bob Nelson (Becky) of Buckeye, AZ and Gene Nelson (Janis) of Ozark, AL, sister in law Laura Keener of Punta Gorda, FL, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his father Clarence Nelson and his loving grandparents who he missed dearly.

The family would like to thank the many friends who have reached out to help during Howard’s illness as well as Dr. Sneed and the staff at CARTI for their care. Memorial service held at 10:30 AM, July 13,2022 at Congo Rd. UMC (2903 Steel Bridge Rd. Benton, AR 72019).

In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorials to be sent in Memory of Howard Nelson to Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport, LA where his grandson Evan is a patient. The address is 3100 Samford Ave, Shreveport, LA 71103.

Arrangments entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.   Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com .