Chris Granville “Buddy” Nelson, 76, of Zanoni, MO passed away September 16, 2026 at his residence. He was born May 16, 1950 in Dewitt, AR to Claud Alvin and Mary Eunice (Stark) Nelson.

Buddy was raised in Dewitt and moved to Oklahoma in 1969, before moving to Missouri in the early 1970’s and resided here ever since. He worked at the charcoal kilns in Gainesville, then did farm work after that. He loved to go deer hunting, fishing, and Oh the stories he could tell you abut coon hunting! But most of all, Buddy loved being around his grandkids. As anyone that knew him could tell you, he was one to argue with anyone who argue back. He always had to get the last word in.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 40 years, Leonia Nelson of Yellville, AR; one sister, Velvie May Wages and husband James of Dewitt, AR; 3 sons: Christopher Alvin Nelson of Gainesville, MO, Shannon Nelson and wife Courtney of Zanoni, MO, Leon Nelson and wife Kelsey of Gainesville, MO; 6 grandchildren: Breanna Nelson of Viola, AR, Holly Nelson, Wesley Nelson, Hunter Nelson, Shawn Nelson all of Gainesville, MO, ant Trinady Nelson of Zanoni, MO; 4 great grandkids; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Claud Alvin Nelson; mother, Mary Nelson; 5 sisters: Marie Nelson, Louvery Nelson, Alice Morse, Thelma Simmons and Bertha Wages; 3 brothers: Clovis Nelson, Glen Nelson and Claude Ottis Nelson.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026 in the Gainesville Cemetery. Officiating will be Davin Friend. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.