A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF ELIS CURTIS NELSON, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Elis Curtis Nelson at the revered age of eighty-six years on September 11, 2025; and

 

Whereas, affectionately known as E.C., he was born in Columbia on August 5, 1939, the beloved son of the late Lois Jefferson. His mother raised him with Elis Nelson, whose name he took, and E.C. had four siblings, all of whom predeceased him: John Gallman, Melvin Jefferson, Ruby Glen, and Thelma Smith; and

 

Whereas, E.C. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Richland County, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia. He also was a longtime member of Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church in Hopkins; and

 

Whereas, he was married to the former Leanner Jackson for sixty-six loving and devoted years. To their union seven children were born: Tony, Jerry, Larry, Wanda, Tone, and twins who preceded him in death. He also was the proud grandfather of seventeen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, diligent in his efforts to provide for his family and community, E.C. Nelson was an avid entrepreneur who over the course of his life owned a gas station, worked as a merchandise vendor, was the owner and operator of Soul Kitchen Food Truck, and worked as a DJ, all the while working as a track inspector with CSX Railroad from which he retired after two decades of service; and

 

Whereas, a dedicated servant to his community, E.C. Nelson founded the Crime Watch Alliance, as well as the Southeast Richland County Crime Watch Coalition, of which he was also the president. He also served as president of the Lower Richland Crime Watch Alliance, the Hopkins Crime Watch Association, and the Lower Richland Save Our Community Organization; and

 

Whereas, his community leadership extended beyond crime prevention initiatives. He was a member of the Central Midlands Council of Governments, the Regional Aging Advisory Committee, the South Carolina Double Dutch Association, the Richland County Sheriff's Citizens Academy Alumni Association, and the New Horizon Community Family Care Center; and

 

Whereas, E.C. Nelson received numerous accolades during his lifetime, including the South Carolina State Association of Crime and Prevention Officers Vern Bartly Memorial Volunteer Award and additional awards for participating in the Sheriff's Citizens Academy hosted by the Richland County Sheriff's Department; and

 

Whereas, he also found time to contribute countless hours as a community volunteer, overseeing voter registration drives and volunteering at many community events, such as the Richland County Sherrif's Department All-Comers Track Meet. His selfless service over the decades had a significant positive impact on Lower Richland and surrounding communities. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Elis Curtis Nelson, celebrate his life, and extend deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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