Jacob Nelson McLeod

Death Notice

Reverend Nelson McLeod left this Earth to be with The Lord Sunday July 26th at Dale Medical Center in Ozark, AL, he was 70 years of age.

Obituary

On the morning of July 26, 2020, Rev. Jacob Nelson McLeod, Sr. peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior. Nelson was born on August 6, 1949 in the BIG CITY (According to Nelson) of Klondyke, Alabama to the late Amos and Johnnie Mae McLeod.  

He attended school in the Ozark City School System, graduating from D. A. Smith High School.  He furthered his education at Selma University, Selma, Alabama, Dallas State University, Dallas, Texas and Troy University, Troy, Alabama. Nelson was drafted into the United States Army in 1971 during the Vietnam Era where he served honorably.  He went on to work for Alabama Power until he became employed by the Dale County Sheriff Department where he worked for 35+ years.  While employed there Nelson accomplished many of the first in the Wiregrass Area. Not only did he make a lot of friends along the way, he paved the way for many Black Officers today.  He was the first African American Deputy in the Wiregrass Area.  He was the first African American Investigator for Dale County.  He was the only African American Chief Deputy of Dale County at that time.  He has worked as patrol supervisor, shift supervisor, supervised investigation for Dale County and worked at the Dale County Jail.  He also assisted the Dale County Coroner as needed. He received many commendations, awards, and recognitions both locally and nationally. He retired from the Dale County Sheriff Department December 31, 2010. Nelson was called to preach in 1991.  He has pastored several churches in the Wiregrass until his health began to decline.

Along with his parents, Nelson was preceded in death by his sister Marguerite Baker and brother Asia “Leon '' McLeod. His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife of 39 years, Sheila Bryant McLeod; sons Benjamin Smiley of St Petersburg, FL and Jacob (Alicia) McLeod of Ozark, AL; daughters Sarah McLeod of Columbus, GA and Yolanda Baxter of Portland, TX; grandchildren Afreca Smiley, Uriah McLeod, Kiyiana (Mikal) Roberts, Keenan Gissendanner, Kaleem Gholsby, Khalid Gholsby

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