David Dahl Nelson

David Dahl Nelson, age 96, passed away on March 4, 2021. He spent his childhood in Decatur and graduated from Decatur Boys High. David served during WW II with the 739th Field Artillery Battalion as a forward observer sometimes slipping through enemy lines. Battles engaged in the Siege of the Ile de Cezembre in Dinard, Battle of Metz, The Lorraine Campaign and Battle for the Siegfried Line where he was awarded a Silver Star, Battle of the Roer, Battle of the Ruhr and the surrender of Magdeburg.
Returning to Atlanta he followed his father’s footsteps and worked as a silversmith with the Lenders, married the love of his life and graduated from Georgia State University. He joined the Paul Green Realty Company and was drawn to the process of creating beautiful homes. From the 1950s to the late 1990s David built custom homes in the Metro Area. He established the Java House and Java Inn in Decatur, Ga.
David was a member of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Peachtree Squares, Peachtree Presbyterian Church and the Docent Guild of the Michael C. Carlos Museum. He is survived by his wife Lillouise, daughter Lynda Bush and sister in-law Sally Tucker and her husband Ray Tucker.
A graveside service for Mr. Nelson will be held Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Decatur Cemetery with Military Honors being rendered. A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.