Harry Vernon Nelson III

Harry Vernon Nelson, III “HV” August 10,1938 - August 28, 2026

Wow! How do you sum up such a full life in a few paragraphs? Let’s start in War, West Virginia where H was born to Edythe and Harry Vernon Nelson. They moved to Charlotte in the mid 40’s when H was 10. The family of 6 moved to a bigger house in Huntersville 5 years later. H always spoke about the surprise he felt to see dirt floors and barefoot students throughout his new school. H didn’t adjust to the rural life, and because of that he and his brother, Jim, built a tennis court in the yard. They spent many hours playing against each other on that court.

HV was in the first graduating class from North Meck in 1956. After graduation, he packed his bags and headed to Winston Salem and Wake Forest University. At Wake he formed many long term and lasting friendships. His tennis was good enough to be on the Wake Varsity Tennis team. While in school, he met Becky Saleeby whom he married after graduation in 1960. H was drafted into the Army that same year. He served for 2 years and during his time he played for the Army’s traveling tennis team. While on base, HV was the head of the Army base’s golf course. So while in the Army, HV received a crash course in how to run a business.

After his discharge from the Army, Becky and HV had 2 boys in 2 years named Vernon and David. The family settled in Charlotte and H started working with his dad at the Maintenance Supply Company. He became a well respected and a very successful salesman. H continued to play both tennis and golf. He enjoyed both so much that HV built a house on Pine Lake Country Club in ‘75. While a member at the club, H won numerous club tennis championships and was a good enough golfer to have made 3 holes in One.

In 1976, life and business vastly changed when Harry Vernon, his dad, passed away suddenly from a heart attack. H was now in charge of a growing , thriving company. He grabbed the challenge and took off. While the boys were growing up, H coached many of their youth basketball teams. This helped develop a coaching mentality and ability to motivate and get the most of his players. H used the same mentality to grow the company from a small company with 25 employees to a regional powerhouse with over 150 employees. H was an entrepreneur at heart and loved coming up with innovative ways to be successful. There were so many people along the way that helped make MSC successful and HV kept in touch with many over the years.

While working, H was a season ticket holder for the Hornets, Panthers and his beloved Wake Forest Demon Deacon Basketball Team. If you knew H at all, you probably traveled somewhere to attend a basketball game with him. He was on a first name basis with every referee at all Wake games!

Becky and H bought a place in Wild Dunes in the 80’s and spent every weekend in Charleston. They made life long friends and memories at the beach. It was his retreat and he could relax and enjoy it while there. In 1999 the decision was made to sell MSC. H was wanting to take some of his visions and success across the country. He stayed involved until Becky became sick. H lost her in 2006 after 46 years together.

After Becky’s passing, H became involved in some real estate in Charlotte and Myrtle Beach. He also found a new life partner in Lisa Ferrell. During these last few years H has attended many Myers Park girls basketball games, yelled at the TV when the Panthers made mistakes, and eaten at every “Mom and Pop” meat and 3 vegetable place he could find. He was tough as a pine knot. He was a survivor of prostate, pancreatic and colon cancer and also survived a stroke in 2019. Through all the health issues, he always maintained his sense of humor and wisdom. H was blessed to have Lisa by his side to love him through his health issues.

H’s legacy is one of an entrepreneurial spirited business sense, respect for those he worked with, love for basketball and unconditional love for his family. H was preceded in death by his parents, Edythe and Harry Vernon Nelson, and his wife Becky and son David. He is survived by his brother Jim (Carolyn), sisters Linda and Sheri (Gayle), his son Vernon (Barbara), 5 grandchildren Alana, Quinn (Lindsay), Hannah, Haley and Nolan Nelson. He also leaves behind 3 great grandchildren (Violette, Freya and Finlay Nelson) and his nieces/nephews Ben (Kim), Emily, Katherine, Kaitlin and Em.

Lastly, he leaves Lisa Ferrell (Adam Lambert, Laurel White (Chris)) his soulmate. They have spent over 19 years together. With Lisa’s love and devotion, she has loved H and taken care of him. With Lisa by his side, he was able to be with us for many extra years. We would like to thank all of H’s doctors and nurses over the years. Thank you to Hospice and his nurses Katie and Haley who have supported him during his transition.

H you will be thought of and remembered often. Thank you for all you have taught, given, supported and loved each and every one of us. We will always love you.

A visitation will be held from 12-1:30PM with a funeral service to follow at 1:30PM on September 3rd at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC. The burial will be privately held with the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VIA Health Partners