Niles Nelson

Dr. Niles H. Nelson (1937-2025)

"Coach" Niles Herbert Nelson had a passion for his Lord Jesus Christ, his family and football. He passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, in Anderson, SC. In the end, Alzheimer's may have stolen his memory, but the memories Niles made with his family and friends will endure.

Niles was born to fireworks on July 4, 1937, in Winchester, MA to Herbert and Virginia Nelson. He fondly remembered his years at Winchester High School and the lifelong friendships made there. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1959 with many honors (earning both a bachelor's and master's degree), captained the football team and met his wife of 62 years, Ronnie (Stather) Nelson, who predeceased him in 2021.

Niles and Ronnie considered themselves blessed with, and are survived by, their children: Lorilyn Lucy (Bill) of Verona Island, ME, Niles Randy Nelson (Colleen) of Vienna, VA, Kelley Kraines (Mark) of Goffstown, NH, and Kyle Nelson (Amy) of Anderson, SC. They remember their father as someone whom they deeply admired, was quick to laugh and extolled the power of positive thinking. He took the family on many camping trips to the Smoky Mountains and had creative ways of teaching life lessons. He will be remembered by many for his love of dancing and was always ready to "bust a move," especially to the song "Celebration."

Niles and Ronnie were unified in their goal of pursuing opportunities for Niles to coach football, making many moves along the way. His first head-coaching job was in Millis, MA where his high school team went undefeated. This was followed by further education at Florida State University, where Niles served as a graduate assistant coach and earned his Ph.D. in Physical Education. He went on to coach at high schools in MA, NC, and ME. His team in Orono, ME went undefeated for three years and won three State championships under his leadership. Niles' desire to coach at the college level led him to the University of RI. He also had assistant roles at colleges in MA, NC, SC and IL.

Niles and Ronnie "retired" to Myrtle Beach, SC in 2000 where they enjoyed the beach, traveled, and spent summers on Alamoosook Lake in Orland, Maine with their children and grandchildren, who knew their grandfather as "Digga". He could often be found going for a run (usually in the midday heat) to keep up with his physical fitness. He was especially active at church in his retirement years, forming a group of men to make home repairs for widows and meet for Bible study. He was quick to visit or call a church member in the hospital.

While he loved cheering on his beloved New England Patriots and Clemson Tigers, he missed the personal connection with players, the strategy, and the excitement he enjoyed while coaching. So, Niles returned to coaching, first as an assistant and later as the head coach, at Husson University. He was committed to coaching not only because he loved the game, but because he wanted to invest in the lives of young men, serving as a mentor and role-model. This stemmed from his faith in Jesus Christ. He was known for his integrity, living by the adage "Character is what you do when no one else is looking." He served with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) ministry and was always eager to share his faith with others.

His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends who will carry on his godly legacy. In addition to his children, Niles is survived by 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, his sisters Sandra McLauchlan (Ian) of Arcadia, FL, and Linda Aiello (Robert) of Reading, MA, and his cousin Carol Butt (Warren) of Winchester, MA. A memorial service will be held 11:30 am Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St. following the service. Memorial Contributions are appreciated and may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 8701 Leeds Rd., Kansas City, MO 64129 or through their website at www.fca.org/donate.