Franklin Ira Nelson, 91, a lifelong resident of Revells Neck, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on June 1, 2025.

Born on Dec. 31, 1933, he was the only child of the late Frederick R. and Catherine Beauchamp Nelson. He graduated from Washington High School in 1952 and Goldey Beacom College with a degree in Business Administration. After serving in the United States Army, Franklin then began a long career working for the state of Maryland as a marine policeman and scuba diver, later working with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in a program to restore the oyster population. Growing up on the Eastern Shore, he enjoyed seafood of all kinds and many of the oysters he dined on years later were probably the same oysters he planted.

Franklin was well known in the community for his singing. He joined his church choir as a young boy and, as a teenager, he sang on the radio. A highlight of his high school days was singing with close friends in a barbershop group named the Harmonettes. Over the years, he continued to sing with friends in gospel groups such as The Unity Quartet and The Friendship Trio.

Franklin always had a love for horses. As a child, he enjoyed riding his beloved Lady Rocket. For the last seventeen years, much of his day was spent caring for his paint, Annabelle, and Coop (deceased), a retired racehorse.

In his early years, Franklin loved to play tennis and golf and has always been a huge fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens. Many precious family memories were made at ballparks, including Franklin and Susan's 60th and 65th anniversary celebrations. Over the years, Franklin also enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play baseball, field hockey, soccer and other sports.

Most of all, Franklin loved God and his family. His relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation for everything he did. He was a lifelong member of Mt. Olive United Methodist Church in Revells Neck and served on various committees. He was also a member of Gideons International. He first met his wife Susan, his bride of more than 67 years, on a blind date. It was on July 4, 1957, that the "circle of love" began. His legacy includes 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. "Poppop" was known for dancing The Twist at every grandchild's wedding. A favorite tradition for the last 25 years has been the family's annual Outer Banks vacation.

He is survived by his wife, Susan O. Nelson of Revells Neck; daughter Valerie Nelson Ruark (Robert deceased) of Salisbury; son Franklin "Steve" Nelson and wife Michelle of Salisbury; son Wayne Nelson and wife Angela of Westover; and daughter Beth Cunningham and husband Raymond of Princess Anne. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Jennifer (Ruark) Hurst and husband Timothy and their children Madelyn, Landon, and Nolan; Jeffrey Ruark and wife Katie and their children Sadie, Cameron, and Blake; Kate Nelson; Amanda (Nelson) Fairman and husband Devin and their children Ashton and Kinsley; Laura (Nelson) Davis and husband Jake; Julie Nelson; David Nelson and wife Ebony and their children Khalil and Trinity; Micah Nelson; Kaylee (Nelson) Todd and husband Alex and son Jameson; Joshua Steinacker and wife Jess and children Liam and Emmy; Jeremy Steinacker and wife LeShandra and their children Nolan and Nathaniel; Hannah (Cunningham) Sievers and husband Devin and daughter Alivia; and Benjamin Cunningham.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 5, 6pm-8pm at Hinman Funeral Home in Princess Anne, MD.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 6 at 11am at Mt. Olive United Methodist Church in Westover. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, c/o Kim Earhart, 28828 Revells Neck Road, Westover, MD 21871 or Holly Grove Christian School, 7317 Mennonite Church Rd, Westover, MD 21871.