FREDDIE DERAY NELSON

was born on September 4, 1960, to Dorothy M. Green in Oakland, Calif. He accepted Christ into his life at a young age at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Ark. and was a member of St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Ark. throughout his adult years. Growing up, Freddie had a passion for music and was an actively involved student at Ole Main High School in North Little Rock, Ark., participating in various clubs such as Boys State, Junior Rotarians, Science Club, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. He went on to attend Henderson State University and was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Philander Smith Management Institute in Little Rock, Ark. Freddie had a 17-year career in banking, having worked in Merchant Services at One Bank and First Commercial Bank. He later became a branch manager at Regions Bank. Freddie continued being a student of music and mastered many instruments such as the soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, flute, clarinet, and keyboard. He also enjoyed cooking up delicious meals in “Fred’s Kitchen” and cheering on his favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys each Sunday. Win or lose, you could always count on him to call you and say “How ‘bout them Cowboys!” Freddie departed this life and made his transition to glory on Sunday, March 17th. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy M. Green-Smith, stepfather, Bobby A. Smith, and brother Farindell (“Dell”) Smith. He leaves behind loving memories to his daughter, Amanda Nelson; son, Anthony Wheeler; former wife and friend, Beatrice Nelson; siblings, Freida Womack, Sonja Lemons, Derrick Smith; sister-in-law, Kimberly Armstrong-Smith; aunts, Ethel Baker and Nettie Jean Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who will miss him dearly. Walk-thru: March 27th, 1-7 p.m., Watson Northcrest Funeral Home, 1601 Cypress St., North Little Rock, 501-812-5303. Services: March 28th, 11 a.m., St. Mark Baptist Church, 5722 West 12th St. in Little Rock.