Edward Bruce ‘Mike’ Nelson, 91, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at his home in the Midway community after a brief illness. Affectionately known as ‘Mr. Mike’, his passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him and his legacy of hard work, perseverance, humor, and love will live on for generations.
Mike was born August 1, 1934, to John Peter and Helen Slaymaker Nelson in Cordova, Illinois. Mike was a member of the Midway Methodist Church. His family moved to Macon, Mississippi in 1943 where he worked on the family farm and after graduation from high school, where he was on the football and track teams, joined the U. S. Army. He was stationed in Germany with the 7th Army’s 34th Signal Corps and was very proud of his service. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he went home to Macon where he worked on a cattle farm in Prairie Point community. He married Harriet Ann Prisock in 1957 and began his family. Mike moved his family to the Midway community in Yazoo County in 1968 where he managed the cattle operation at the Swayze Home Place Plantation until his retirement in 2003. After retirement, he enjoyed family, traveling, his birds, and yard work.
Mike is survived by his sister, Mary Stribling of Union, Mississippi; his daughter, Wanda Stricklin of Yazoo City, Mississippi; his three sons, Stan Nelson (Janet) of Crossville, Tennessee; David Nelson (Hope) of Yazoo City, Mississippi; Edward (Eddie) Nelson (Dayna) of Benton, Mississippi; and very special companion, Marie Prisock of Brandon, Mississippi. He took great pride in his grandchildren and proudly displayed their pictures throughout his home. His grandchildren include Bruce Nelson (Kim), Brandon Nelson, Stephanie Weaver (Michael), Susan Nelson, Elaine Walden, Troy Gosnell (Nicolette), Justin Nelson, Patrick Nelson, Kellyn Nelson, Olivia Stricklin, Edward Allen Nelson, James Nelson (Bridgett), Katie Sullivan (Jack), and Krystal Eldridge (Billy). The next generations include 24 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild with two more (twins) on the way.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Harriet Ann Prisock Nelson; his parents; two sisters, Anna May Edwards and Martha White; three brothers, Henry Nelson, Bill Nelson, George Nelson; and two grandchildren, Brandon Nelson and Edward Allen Nelson.
Services for Mike will take place at Stricklin King Funeral Home in Yazoo City on Thursday, February 12, 2026 with visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 followed by service at 11:00 and internment at Midway Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions to Mike’s memory be made to: Midway Methodist Church; P. O. Box 92; 6325 Hwy 433 North; Benton, MS 39039.
