Donald Ray, Dr (obit) NELSON

January 21, 1937 - October 27, 2016

After a courageous battle against cancer, Dr. Donald Ray Nelson, of Ruston, Louisiana went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 27, 2016.  He was 79 years old.  He left this world just as he lived surrounded by his family and comforted by hundreds of friends whose lives were touched by his wisdom, guidance, selfless generosity, and infectious smile.  The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 30, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Ruston followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m.  Officiating will be Chris Craig, Pastor of First Baptist Church Ruston, and Reggie Bridges, Pastor of Temple Baptist Church Ruston.
Don was born on January 21, 1937 in Ringgold, Louisiana.  He graduated from Ringgold High School in 1954 before attending Northwestern State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology.  He went on to achieve his Master of Science in Administration and Science Education in 1963 from Louisiana Tech University.  He continued his education at University of Arkansas where he received his Doctorate in Curriculum and Supervision of Instruction in 1966.  True to his love of education, Don continued work as a post-doctoral student.  He completed studies in Supervisory Management from the American Management Association in 1971, Statistics and Experimental Research Design from the University of Texas in 1973, and Educational Evaluation from the University of Illinois in 1975.
Dr. Nelson held multiple professional positions throughout his career beginning in his hometown of Ringgold, Louisiana as a High School Math and Science teacher.  He was a visiting professor at Midwestern University in Witchita Falls, Texas, before joining Louisiana Tech University in 1966.  During his 23 years at Tech, he fulfilled many roles.  He was a Professor of Education, Director of Student Teaching, Director of Graduate Studies, Director of Extension Services, Department Head of Teacher Education, and Associate Dean of the College of Education.  Upon his retirement from the State of Louisiana after 30 years, he realized he had more to give to the students who he loved so dearly. In 1988, he founded College Discount Supply, Louisiana Tech’s first off-campus bookstore. Later renamed Bulldog Books, the business was operated by the family for over twenty years while he served an additional 24 years as an educator for the State of Arkansas. He joined Southern Arkansas University in the Fall of 1988.  While at SAU he continued his achievements in education as Departmental Chair for Curriculum and Instruction, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Professor for the School of Education, and Dean of the School of Education.  Additionally, he was honored as Faculty Emeritus of Southern Arkansas University by the Southern Arkansas University Board of Trustees.
During his 54 year career, Don contributed much to his chosen field.  Among his many accomplishments were:
Principle researcher for Louisiana State Board of Trustees for Colleges and Universities study of teacher preparation.Grant writer for 41 funded state and federal proposals, including six Title II Education for Economic Security Act proposals.
Co-author of three college textbooks.Author and/or co-author of numerous monographs, state curriculum   guides, and journal articles. Served as a research consultant to numerous public and private agencies.
Member of National Commission to study education programs in correctional institutions.
Research in correctional institutions presented at three international conferences.Member and chairperson for North Central and COE accreditation of numerous elementary and secondary schools in Arkansas. Member of the Board of Trustees of the Riggs institute. (A non-profit cooperation providing research and service in reading programs throughout the United States.) Representative for Rhodes Scholarship Trust. (20 years)Grant writer/consultant for numerous school districts in Arkansas and Louisiana. U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: Consultant pool and proposal reader for over 10 years. U.S. Department of Education: Proposal reader, Title II grants. ACSIP/NCA: Accreditation team member for over 10 years. Continuing research in the field of correctional education. Committee Memberships: Faculty Senate, Human Subjects, Tenure and Promotion, North Central Association Assessment Committee, Graduate Council, Teacher Education Committee (chair), NCATE Steering Committee, NCATE Writing Committee, Academic Affairs, Dean’s Council and President’s Administrative Advisory Council.
Professional Memberships: Phi Beta Kappa, American Correctional Association, and Associates of Teacher Educators.
Despite his many professional achievements, Dr. Nelson was most proud of the many relationships he formed with his students.  One student reviewed his course by saying, “We don’t need a textbook – He is the textbook!”
Don met the love of his life on a blind triple date when they were both undergraduates at Northwestern State University.  They married on August 17, 1958 and began their wonderful life together.  They enjoyed traveling the world together and with their children.  Don and Billie visited numerous destinations including France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Spain, Romania, Aruba, and cruises to the Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Caribbean.  They traveled extensively in the United States with their children and grandchildren.  In 1999, the Nelson family enjoyed a “Trip of a Lifetime” to London.  The highlight was watching the millennium ring in on Big Ben in Trafalgar Square.  They also enjoyed 10 years of beach vacations at Inn by the Sea in Pass Christian, Mississippi, Disneyland, Disney World, Colorado, Washington, DC, and many more.  Don was most proud of his sky-diving (at age 75) and hot air balloon experiences.
Dr. Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Hermie Nelson; his brothers, Elton Nelson and Carroll (Wheat) Nelson; a sister, Ivanell Nelson Wilson.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Billie Stephens Nelson; his children, Pamela Nelson Willis (Shubert), Paul Stephen Nelson (Lisa), and Paige Nelson Shirley (Chad); grandchildren, Michael Cantwell (Julie), Marc Cantwell (Kelsey), Dash Willis, Larkin Nelson, Claudia Shirley, Barrett Nelson, Annabeth Willis, Callie Shirley, and Landry Grace Nelson.  He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Doris Jean Nelson and Sallie Blakely; nieces, Joy Shaw (Leon), Michelle Robinson (Bill), Cindy Price (Kirby), Darlene Duncan (Mike), Maureen Rutherford (Mark), Kelli Blakely (Billy), and Krista Underwood (Marty).
Honoring Don as pallbearers will be Chad Shirley, Shubert Willis, Michael Cantwell, Marc Cantwell, Barrett Nelson, Billy Hulsey, Marty Underwood, and Kaleb Underwood.  Honorary pallbearers will be Rodney Banks, Tommy Adkins, Glynn Aycock, Robert Harper, Dale Robbins, Vic Springfield, Don Moseley, Mike Griffith, Wayne Barrett, Ansel Winham, James Anderson, Barney Sumrall, Lon Bass, Emory Ambrose, Bob Smith, the Turtle Creek Neighborhood Coffee Group, Ruston Lions Club, and the Deacons of First Baptist Church.

Contributed on 4/29/17 by debbraszymanski
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