Edward James "Ned" Nelson, III's Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Edward James “Ned” Nelson, III of Collierville, Tennessee announce his death on Friday morning, August 30, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family.
Ned was a 70-year-old, third-generation Memphian. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Lynn Parker Nelson, with whom he had just celebrated 46 years of marriage. Ned also leaves two sons, Edward James Nelson, IV and Henry Parker Nelson, Sr. (Lindsey) and three grandchildren, Nora, Jimmy, and Hank, all of Collierville. Ned also leaves his siblings: sisters Laurie Nelson and Nancy Nelson both of Cincinnati, Ohio, and his brother, David E. Nelson (Donna) of Collierville. Ned leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Predeceasing Ned were his parents, Margaret Zanone Nelson (2011) and Edward James Nelson, Jr. (1994).
Ned graduated from St. Louis Catholic School. He attended Christian Brothers High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and the Key Club. In addition, Ned was a member of the 1972 Centennial Graduation Class and was senior class president. Years later, Ned was honored to be inducted into the CBHS Hall of Fame. Ned earned his B.B.A. in Marketing-Management from Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity.
After earning his B.B.A., Ned worked in logistics. In 1994, Ned and his brother Dave co-founded AIMS Logistics, a global freight audit-and-payment provider headquartered in Collierville. Ned served as CEO, and Dave served as President.
Under their direction, AIMS was recognized both locally and nationally by such organizations as the Association of Financial Professionals with the Pinnacle Award, Inc. Magazine for the Top 500 Fastest Growing Companies in America, and the Memphis Business Journal for the Small Business of the Year Award. In addition, The Association of Fundraising Professionals selected AIMS to receive its Crystal Award as their Outstanding Philanthropic Corporate recipient. After growing the company from five employees to over 400 employees in 13 years with operations in the United States, Europe, and Asia, AIMS Logistics was sold to U.S. Bank in September 2007.
Since retirement, Ned has enjoyed traveling, playing golf, fishing, Kettlebell training, and advancing his culinary skills, which Ned used to entertain his family and friends. The annual highlight of Ned’s entertaining was at Thanksgiving when guests were treated to a gourmet feast.
Most especially Ned enjoyed his time spent with his three young grandchildren, who called him Papi. Ned’s kindness, sense of humor, and generosity will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.
Visitation will take place at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Monday, September 9, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. followed by the Rosary led by Ned’s cousin, Monsignor Valentine Handwerker. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers, and two suggestions follow. One is Christian Brothers High School at 5900 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38120. The other is Page Robbins Adult Day Center at 1961 South Houston Levee Road, Collierville, TN 38017, where Ned served many years as a board member.
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