Obituary for Corey Wayne Nelson, Sr.

(“Big Corey”)

Corey Wayne Nelson, Sr., affectionately known as “Big Corey,” was born on December 6, 1958, in Houston, Texas, and passed away on July 29, 2025, at the age of 66.

The youngest of three children, Corey was preceded in life by his parents and is survived by his siblings, George Nelson Jr. and Yolanda Nelson. In 1983, he married the love of his life, Gertrude Shanklin, with whom he shared many years until her passing in 2020.

Corey was a devoted father to his two sons, Michael Swanson and Corey Wayne Nelson, Jr. (“Lil Corey”), and a proud stepfather to Latrice Manning and Carlette Shanklin. He was also a beloved uncle to Katrina Nelson and Kiesha Rhodes. Corey leaves behind six cherished grandchildren who brought him immense pride and joy.

In recent years, Corey found companionship with his girlfriend, Audrey Taylor, who survives him.

Corey will be remembered for his warmth, sense of humor, and love for family. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.