Nelson Dyer Abell III died peacefully at his home in Monroe, LA on Friday, October, 22, 2021, at the age of 73, with his family present.
Nelson was born in Monroe and was educated in the Monroe City Schools; Lexington, Lee Jr. High and Neville High School. He then went on to Davidson College and the University of Texas Law School (which cemented his love for Texas). A member of the Navy ROTC, he had hoped to fly. When his hopes were dashed due to poor eyesight, he was transferred to the Army, where he was a 1st Lieutenant assigned to the Air Defense Artillery.
After graduating from U.T. Law and passing the bar, he returned to Monroe and started a business with his father. Poly Processing Company grew to be a national manufacturer and distributor of rotationally molded tanks. After serving as President at P.P.C., he moved on to start a distributorship under the name Poly Corr, Inc., specializing in corrosion resistant applications, which he operated until his retirement in 2015.
A lover of the outdoors, Nelson enjoyed hunting, fishing, and exploring the lands around him. He was a lifelong Presbyterian, first at First Presbyterian Church and then Covenant Church.
He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Stephanie Dawson Abell; children, Graham Nelson Abell, Claire Dawson Abell Fletcher, and her husband, Nate; and much loved grandchildren, Jack Hughes Fletcher and Georgia Nell Fletcher. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson D. Abell, Jr. and Bennie Hughes Abell. He leaves behind brothers; Graham Hughes Abell and Dixon Warren Abell and their families.
Nelson was active in the community, serving on the boards of First Presbyterian Church Session, United Way, Association of Rotational Molders, Central Bank, University of Louisiana at Monroe, LABI, St. Patrick’s Hospital, Monroe Educational Foundation, and others.
Honoring Nelson as pallbearers are Markley Huey, Arthur Liles, Clyde White, Ronnie Myrick, Harry Goldman, Bo Shaw and Burton Wade. Honorary pallbearers will be Robins Brice, Rick Harrell, Bill Knolle, and David McClintock.
The family expresses appreciation to Debra J. Mitchell for her 40 year participation in and support of their family.
Memorials may be made to the Chennault Aviation Museum, 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe, LA 71201; Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1901 Milton, Monroe, LA 71201; or the charity of the donor’s choice.
A celebration of Nelson’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M., on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Covenant Presbyterian Church with Pastor John Mabray officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. at the church.
Entombment will follow services at Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens Open Air Chapel Mausoleum, 8729 Cypress Street, West Monroe. Services are under the direction and care of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Monroe.
Online condolence messages may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.