Gordon Nelson Johnson

February 26, 1947 - September 29, 2020

1947-2020 Gordon Nelson Johnson, affectionately called “Nellie” by his closest friends, passed away on September 29, 2020, after a brief battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Myrtice Johnson. Nelson is survived by his wife, Pamela Johnson of Belen, NM; his children, John, David and Kate Johnson and grandson, Jackson of Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born in Hope, Arkansas in February of 1947 and moved to the Arkansas side of Texarkana soon thereafter. A shining star at Arkansas High School, he was Senior Class President of the Class of 1965, a member of the football team, science club and math club, Rotary Good Citizen, and too many other activities to count. Nelson attended the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1970 with a degree in Business Administration. While at the university, he was active in the Army ROTC and a member of the Pershing Rifles. After graduation, he worked for JC Penney’s as a corporate buyer and then Anson, Grove, and Haack Architects in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gordon returned to Fayetteville, Arkansas to work for his father-in-law at Fayetteville Milk Company, launching bulk-milk transport as Howard Liles, Incorporated as part of the Mid-America Dairymen. A dedicated and genuine loving spirit, his greatest joy in life was his family. He spent many evenings and weekends on the sidelines of ball fields and tennis courts as the loudest and most passionate fan. As a scout leader, Nelson enjoyed many pinewood derbies and baking contests with his son, but most enjoyed the musical abilities of his offspring ranging from home concerts on guitar and clarinet to karaoke. Nelson found a way to enjoy everything in life from meeting new people and keeping in touch with the old and loved being involved. This ranged from Jaycee Haunted Houses, bed races, and firework shows to coffees, phone calls, and emails to all of those he loved. From Arkansas to New Mexico and many places in between, Nelson lived a life all should emulate: he loved deeply, cared immensely, helped effervescently, laughed loud and played hard. Services will be held at a later date due to Covid. Please sign Nelson’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM