David Scott Nelson, a native of Aiken, South Carolina and a resident of Daphne, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 52. After an extended bout with colon cancer, Scott died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends who loved him.
Scott played baseball when he was young and sang in the First Baptist Church Youth Choir. He played the trombone in bands at Scarborough Middle School and Shaw High School, where he also played soccer. He enjoyed playing the trombone, the guitar and singing in choirs and ensembles. Majoring in music education, he graduated from the University of South Alabama, where he was a resident advisor at the Baptist Campus Ministry. He was an avid fan of UA Football and the New Orleans Saints. As an adult, Scott went into restaurant work where he managed several different restaurants and became the executive chef at a Fairhope supper club.
Scott is preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Gail Baumgartner Posey Nelson of Mobile, AL; grandmothers, Dorothy Ann Nelson Eaves & Elizabeth Maudie White Posey, both in Houston, TX; grandfathers, John Edward Eaves & Chester Brian Posey, both in Houston, TX; aunts, Betty Ann Nelson Parish Monroy of Navasota, TX and Janet Lynn Eaves Murray of Tomball, TX.
He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Lana Kay Keahey Nelson; his fur babies, Nola and Caroline; his father, David H. Nelson; step-mother, Cynthia Hood Scardamalia-Nelson; his sister, Amy Elizabeth Nelson Thompson (Paul) of Spanish Fort, AL; step-brothers, Vincent Elijah Scardamalia (Anya) of Fairhope, AL and Richard Adam Scardamalia (Haley) of Spanish Fort, AL; aunts, Carolyn Ann Eaves Lee (Ricky) of Waller, TX and Sharon Elizabeth Posey Gace (Curtis) of Tomball, TX; his beloved mother-in-law, Winifred Welborn Keahey of Spanish Fort, AL; and special friends, Hugh Edward Herrington and Ross Albert Herrington, and the “Back of the House” Guys.
There will be a gathering to celebrate Scott’s life at the Cellar Door Tavern, 10185 County Road 64, Unit 5, in Daphne, AL, on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 4PM – 6PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Colon Cancer Research, the Baldwin County Animal Shelter, to a local food pantry or Habitat for Humanity.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Such a moving tribute to a life well lived despite being cut short. May Scott’s gentle soul rest in peace as his life is remembered and may those memories be a blessing.
Scott I know you are at a peace that only we will all experience when we all meet again with our Heavenly Father. You will be missed greatly by all that loved you…. One day memories will replace the grief that all are feeling right now…. Scott we loved you and will carry your memory in my heart…
Scott was always full of life. His calm and gentle demeanor put people at ease and his strength of character ensured his place in people’s hearts. He was a steadfast friend who helped other people through hardships in their lives, even though he had been through just as trying times. We went through many life adventures together and I was proud to call him my friend and adopted brother.
Your time on this earth was fleeting, but you changed everyone’s life that you touched. I miss you, my dearest friend and brother.
Scott was quick with a smile and a grunt of a laugh. I couldn’t help but always smile when I saw him or heard his voice on the other end of the line.
Many fun times and adventures growing up and growing older ( maybe even a little wiser) together. I could always count on him for support and encouragement.
Scott was my friend and my brother. I miss him greatly but am grateful he knows the abundance of God’s peace now. Until we meet again someday Brother…I Love You Bunches