ROBERT V. NELSON, JR.
1949-2021
Robert Victor Nelson, Jr. passed away on Friday, the 29 of October 2021, at the age of 72 years of age.
Born on the 16th of September 1949, to Yvonne and Robert Nelson, Sr., Robert grew up in Houston and attended high school at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. He remained in Tennessee for college, graduating from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering.
Robert met the love of his life and future wife, Cynthia, while in high school. After college, they settled in Houston and were wed in 1972. In 1976, they welcomed their son, Robert “Robby” Victor Nelson, III.
Robert began his career in banking, working with both Cullen/Frost Bank and Citibank, and spent the majority of his career in commercial real estate, running Sutherland Properties alongside his brother, Bill Nelson.
Robert was a lifelong, avid golfer—a passion he enjoyed sharing with his many friends and, later, with his son. He and Cynthia also loved traveling with friends and family, spending many summers in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and going on countless trips with his Vandy crew.
He was a devoted baseball fan, and particularly enjoyed cheering on his beloved Vanderbilt Commodores and Houston Astros.
A man of great faith, Robert was a committed member of The Church of St. John the Divine and had previously served on the vestry.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Tricia Nelson Keegan. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; son and daughter-in-law, Robby and Rose Nelson; and his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Maria Nelson.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kelty Baker for her many years of excellent care.
A memorial service is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 17th of November, at the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where the Reverend Leigh Spruill is to officiate.
Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Sumners Hall.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Robert’s honor be directed to The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77019 or at www.sjd.org/give/ ; or to First Tee – Greater Houston, 7000 Capitol Street, Houston, TX, 77011 or at https://www. firstteegreaterhouston.org/.
Please visit Mr. Nelson’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared with his family.