Obituary of Sylvis Franklin Nelson

Sylvis “Sugarman” Franklin Nelson was born on April 14, 1931, to Charles and Effie Nelson (Preceded in death) in Houma, LA and raised in Dermott, Arkansas. He was one of 15 children and followed in his sibling’s footsteps by making his way out into the world at age 18. He traveled around a bit and then decided to make his home in Rock Island, Illinois. Shortly after, he joined and served in the Marines. He was employed with Farmall/International Harvester for 25 years and retired from there. Sugarman was an avid huntsman, fisherman, adventurer and considered himself the best at home improvement…If you wanted a jerry-rigged project, he was your go-to guy! He was outspoken and said what he was thinking…no holding back! He was hard on you, but, at the end of the day, you knew that you were loved. He was a straightforward, no-nonsense type of guy and those who knew him knew that he would say whatever was on his mind...whether you wanted to hear it or not. Also, he felt that he was never wrong, but if you were lucky enough to prove him wrong, he would say…” anyway…whatever”. He chose to live his life on his terms, and he chose to leave this world the same way…on his terms. He will be deeply missed and forever loved. He is preceded in death by his, mother and father Charles and Effie Nelson; wife Jessica Nelson; his son Sylvis Michael Nelson; 6 brothers; Mckinley Nelson, J’Zeldon Nelson (JC), Charles Nelson, Edward Nelson, James Willie Nelson (JW), Lavada Nelson; 5 sisters; Mattie Braizer, Sammie Miller, Curtis Binns, Aris Lowe, and Geraldine Nelson. Sylvis is survived by his two daughters; Alice Marie Nelson Clark (Jerry) and Tamara Nelson Mariner, one son; Stevan Darnell Lomas (Catherine); 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 18 great, great-grandchildren. 3 sisters Thelma Taylor, Fannie Haynes (Freddie), and Effie Hathaway. Lastly, he is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. The family of Sugarman would like to thank everyone for all of the prayers, and phone calls. They all mean very much, and we are forever grateful.