Rick "Hollywood" Nelson

Rick "Hollywood" Nelson, 74, of McKenzie,TN, passed away Monday, March 15, 2021,at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  He was born in Topeka, KS, to the late Paul and Fern Gunderson Nelson on January 21, 1947. He attended school in Manhatten, Kansas and graduated in 1965. He enllisted in the Navy in 1965 as a Boatswain's Mate, serving on many ships, including the USS Tawakoni, in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged from active duty as a BM2 in 1969, returning to Kansas.

Rick moved to Southern California and was employed for 27 years at Halaco, a magnesuim recycling plant, in Port Hueneme. He relocated to TN in 2005 to work for Mag Pro, located in Camden, TN and retired from there in 2008.

Upon retirement, Rick was able to enjoy more time with his wife, Susan; as well as participating in his favorite activities which included golfing, fishing, and attending every sporting event in the community. He was also a member of VFW Post 4939 in McKenzie, TN, where he spent time socializing with his many friends.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 36 yeas, Susan, and their beautiful blended blended family of 3 sons, Jason Nelson, Sr., of Oxnard, CA, Douglas (Melody) Nelson, Sr., of Gilbert, AZ and David(Lesley) Bodwell , of Peoria, AZ., and a daughter Lisa Bodwell Matheny, of Bartlett, TN. He is survived by 10 grandchildren, Jason Nelson, JR., Fort Riley, Manhattan, KS, Jaylynn and Jordin Nelson, Oxnard, CA, Douglas (Carla) Nelson Jr., Gilbert, AZ, Sirena Nelson, Casa Grande, AZ, Sean Rice (Bodwell), Phoenix, AZ, Jacob Matheny, Paris, TN and Shane, Trevor and Leah Matheny, BArtlett, TN. He is also surbived by 2 great-gradndaughters, Mia and Ayva Nelson , Gilbert, AZ.

Brummitt McKenzie Funeral Home is in charge of the the arrangements and Rick's wish was to have no local service. His family will have a celebration of life sometime this summer in AZ. In lieu of flowers, his wish would be for a donation to be made to VFW Post 4939 or Disabled American Veterans (DAV)