Clay Nelson

Published 10:45 am Thursday, August 13, 2015

Clay Nelson, 21, of Bowling Green, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Aug. 9, 2015. 

The world was blessed with Clay’s birth on Aug. 4, 1994, in Elizabethtown. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, “Nana” Nancy Masters.

Clay was a member of Living Hope Baptist Church. Clay began his walk with Jesus at a early age at Camp Joy Youth Camp. He was a licensed insurance agent for Family Heritage Insurance Co. Clay attended Rich Pond Elementary School, Drakes Middle School, Greenwood High School and graduated from South Warren High School in 2012.

He attended Western Kentucky University and was with the Hilltoppers football team for one year. Clay played soccer and football for the Gators and the Spartans. He was coached in football by his father, Mark, at both schools and in 2012 he was named The Courier-Journal all-state kicker. He also is listed in the state record books for several records he holds. Clay’s interest continued off the field with his passion and talent for acting and singing. He had lead roles in several high schools musicals. He also enjoyed many hobbies, cooking, woodworking, piano and outdoor adventures.

Clay was a wonderful family person. He adored his sister, Kinsey, and was her No. 1 fan, supporting her activities and her love of soccer. He always looked forward to spending special times with the family at Christmas in Mercer, Pa., and summer vacations at the beach in Nags Head, N.C. The love of his life was his fiancé, Kaitlyn Beck of Bowling Green.

Clay is survived by his loving parents, Mark and Melissa Masters Nelson; a special sister, Kinsey Nelson, all of Bowling Green; paternal grandparents, Richard and Joan Nelson of Mercer, Pa.; maternal grandfather, Bill Masters of Farragat, Tenn.; numerous aunts and uncles, Jeff Masters (Mary Kay) of Rochester, N.Y., Rick Nelson (Lisa) of Dublin, Ohio, Scott Nelson (Karen) of Poland, Ohio, Matt Nelson (Robin) of Courtland, Ohio, Cindy Leonard (Mike) of Richmond, Va., Becky Gool (Tim) of Syarcuse, N.Y.; many adoring cousins; and a host of friends and teammates. His birth mother, Annaliese Erickson; birth grandmother, Alana Hart; brothers, Jonah and Andrew; uncles, Jack, Justin, Joey and Joshua also survive, and a very special friend, his dog “NELLIE.”

Clay’s celebration of life is at 6 p.m. Saturday at Living Hope Baptist Church, 1805 Westen Ave., Bowling Green. Visitation is from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at J.C. Kirby & Son, Lovers Lane chapel. Visitation ends promptly at 4 p.m. in order to be at church on time. Burial will be at noon Sunday at Bowling Green Gardens.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to your local volunteer fire departments-rescue squads. The family of Clay would like to thank these heroes for their tireless efforts during these past days.