Paul Nelson of Tryon passed away peacefully at Foothills Hospice in Landrum S.C. on December 24, 2017.

Paul was born on February 19, 1924 in New York City to Helen and Clifford Nelson. He lived in several locations in New York while growing up and graduated from Ardsley High School in 1941. He attended Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y. majoring in glass technology before serving in the Army Air Corps from 1943-1946. He then attended Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1948 with a BS in Foreign Commerce. Taking a leap of faith, Paul later went on to get a master’s degree in Hospital Administration in 1961.

He served as Assistant Administrator from 1961-1963 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas before accepting the position of Administrator at Sheldon Memorial Hospital in Albion, Mich. In 1969 he became executive director of Southwestern Michigan Health Planning Council.

From 1970-1984, Paul served as administrator of the Emma L. Bixby Hospital in Adrian, Mich. In both hospital positions he was involved in major building programs. He also served on many hospital related and community boards.

When his wife, Margaret, retired as a school teacher, they moved to Punta Gorda, Fla. where they resided for the next 18 years. In 2003, they moved to Polk County where they lived in both Columbus and Tryon.

Paul was active in many community activities and was an active member of Rotary since 1963. He had a passion as a Mark Twain collector and lecturer and enjoyed humor and reading. He was an active member of The Congregational Church of Tryon.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife Margaret and two grandsons. Margaret and Paul were married for 64 years. Remaining family members include sons Bruce (Teri), Mark (Sandy), and daughter Janet (Doug), as well as six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

McFarland Funeral Home will be handling arrangements. A memorial service for Paul will be held Friday, December 29, 2017 at 2 p.m. at The Congregational Church on Melrose Ave. in Tryon, N.C.

McFarland Funeral Chapel and Crematory
Tryon, N.C.