Frankie Dean "Tank" Nelson

Frankie Dean "Tank" Nelson, 68 of Pineville, passed away on August 18, 2026, at Saint Joseph Hospital in London. He was born in Pineville on December 23, 1957, the son of the late Frank and Jewell Collett Nelson. Tank was a believer in the Baptist Faith and a member of the Mill Creek Baptist Church. He was a Drill and Heavy Equipment Operator for Nally-Hamilton Enterprises for over 40 years.

Tank was a proud 1975 graduate of Bell County High School, where he showcased his talent on the football field. His love for sports extended beyond football; he was an avid fan of baseball and NASCAR, with a particular fondness for the Cincinnati Reds and the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

In addition to his passion for sports, Tank enjoyed fishing, finding solace and joy in the tranquility of nature. Tank was a loving, kind, compassionate, and caring husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Robin Tyler Collins; and fathers-in-law, AB Dorton and Henry Hank Wilson.

Frankie is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Rebecca "Becky" Dorton Nelson; son, Chase Nelson; sister, Denise Woodson and husband, Mike; brother-in-law, Ricky Dorton and wife, Pennie; sister-in-law, Donna Collins and husband, Robin; mother-in-law, Mary Ruth Wilson; nieces and nephews, Ashton and Andres Gonzales, Austin and Brittany Woodson, Scottie Dorton, Heather Smith, Blake Collins, and Ryan Collins; great-nieces, Evie Gonzales and Emmy Gonzales; his best buddy, Goblin; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Sutton and Elder Ricky Dorton presiding. Burial will follow at the John Jackson Cemetery on Laurel Hill. Pallbearers will be Dustin Lewis, Johnathan Langford, Eric Langford, Lewis Higgins, Robert King, Scottie Dorton, Blake Collins, Ryan Collins, and Jody Brock. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Woodson, Austin Woodson, Andres Gonzales, Tommy Hamilton, Scott Collett, Ken Frost, Kendall Frost, Glen Helton, Richard Collett, and the Men of Nally-Hamilton Enterprises, Inc.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville, which is honored to serve the Nelson family.