After a life of love and quiet grace, Swanson E. Nelson of Greensboro, NC has passed.
Below, the simplest tribute: the truth of a life as it was lived.
The lessons of a parent travel forward, often without their name attached.
S. Eugene "Gene" Nelson passed away at home, Friday, May 1, 2026, surrounded by "his girls."
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Covington Wesleyan Church in Reidsville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.
Gene was born in Guilford County on October 26, 1949. He retired from the Guilford County Sheriff's Department after 30 years of law enforcement service. Gene was a loyal friend and mentor to his LEO brothers and sisters.
He was married to his wife Kathy for 54 years. Gene was a loving husband, father and papa, constantly reminding us all daily how much he loved us and "to behave."
Gene is survived by his wife Kathy Nelson, siblings June (Ed) Howard, Ray Nelson, brother in law Ted (Ann) Moore, children, Melissa (Stacy) Price, Maggie (Rick) Dabbs, nieces and nephews, Adam (Brenna) Burnette, Robbie Moore, Laura (Paul) Raffle, grandchildren Jessica (Kalyn) Price, Luken Price, Bryant Dabbs, Anna Dabbs, and Wilson Dabbs, four great grandchildren and five great nieces and nephews, special daughters Willa (Mark) Sackfield II and Mandy (John) Yates, special granddaughter Holly (Zach) Warner.
Gene would never be one to toot his own horn, and would be shooting us side-eye, but not only did he care for his community as part of his role to protect and serve; often people he heard about, who were in need, would find themselves blessed with a $100 bill, a load of firewood, or adopted at Christmas. He genuinely cared for and loved all those around him.
The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful helpers and nurses we had from Authoracare, without whose services we could not have brought Gene home.
We love you all.
