Michael Sylvester Nelson, Sr., 75, of Clements died on May 29, 2013 in Clements, MD. Born on August 19, 1937 in Clements, he was the fourth child of eleven to be born to the late Francis Parran Nelson, Sr., and Agnes Kathleen (Ryan) Nelson.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Elizabeth (Hill) Nelson; children, Michael S. Nelson, Jr. (Donna), Joseph P. Nelson, Sr. (Tina), Agnes K. "Kay" Mayor (Edward), James L. "Leroy" Hill, Sr., (Kim), Nancy M. Russell (Andrew) and Leonard M. Nelson, Sr. (Samantha); 15 grandchildren, Kristi Nelson, Mickey Nelson, Ricky Nelson, Michelle Nelson, Joe Nelson, Nikki Nelson, Kristie Mattingly, Kimberly Oliver, Mary Ellen Mayor, Lorrie Mayor, James "JL" Hill, Maggie Russell, Andrew Russell, Alyssa Nelson, Lenny Nelson; 10 great-grandchildren, Madison Person, Alex Nelson, Trace Nelson, Lucas Nelson, Ella Nelson, Ella Mattingly, Brian Mattingly, Chyanna Lacey, JR Lacey, TJ Oliver; step-grandchildren, Michael, Brooke, and Anthony Bateman; and four more great-grandchildren on the way.

Also survived by siblings; Shirley Vallandingham, Francis "Rod" Nelson, Clyde "Corky" Nelson, John "Jack" Nelson, Sandra Caywood, James "Buck" Nelson, Donald "Donnie" Nelson, and Terry Lee Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Ryce, brother, Pete Nelson, and grandsons Dylan, Austin, and Aiden Russell.

He was a lifelong St. Mary's County resident and was a farmer, heavy equipment operator and waterman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing, playing cards, gardening, and being with his family and friends. He especially loved having his grandchildren around him. He enjoyed telling stories from the "ol' days". In his younger years he enjoyed racing his 55 Chevrolet. He was considered "Mr. Fix-It" by all. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 3, 2013 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, Chaptico, MD with Father Jerry Gamrot officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be; Mickey Nelson, Ricky Nelson, Joe Nelson, J.L. Hill, Glen Oliver, and Brian Mattingly.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.