Nelson Ross Wofford

Nelson Ross Wofford, 84, of Lubbock, life-long and true Texan, was gently lifted into heaven on Thursday morning, February 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on October 26, 1939, in Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas, to the late Lloyd Amos Wofford and Myrl (Hightower) Wofford.

Nelson attended Lockney schools and graduated with his senior class of 1958.  He was a star running back for his high school football team.  He later attended West Texas State and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1970.

He met Anita Durham, the love of his life, and they were united in marriage on August 18, 1961, in Lockney.  Out of this blessed marriage, Nelson and Anita were blessed with four sons.

Nelson was a hard worker, working up until the time of his passing.  At an early age, he worked as a farmer in Lockney and the surrounding area.  He worked with his father at Wofford Manufacturing Company, Inc., in Lockney and then took over the business in 1978, which he ran until 1996.  From 1980 until 1984, he owned and operated White River Marina.  In 1984, he planted 30,000 grape vines in his wine vineyard and brought the first grape harvester machine into Texas.  He operated his vineyard until 1990.  He was also involved in running an oyster and mushroom farm, Paradise Gardens, in Lubbock from 1998 until 2005.

From 1998 to 2020, he worked for his son Breck, at Breck Wofford Brick and Mortar Repair.  For about 15 years, up until October of 2023, he canned more than 50,000 cans and jars of salsa, jelly, jams, vegetables and chow-chow, just to mention a few.

Nelson loved vintage cars, drag racing, going fishing, traveling and even owned race horses at one time.  He loved to laugh, make others laugh and always had a smile on his face for everyone he met.   He loved his family dearly and to have them close to him.  Nelson was a member of South Plains Church of Christ for 48 years.  In summing up Nelson, he stood for love, family and happiness.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory include his loving wife, Anita; three sons:  Breck Mallon Wofford and wife Lisa Lynn of Lubbock, Bart Nelson Wofford of Lubbock, and Blake Erin Wofford and wife Bonnie of Argyle; one sister, Beverly Sue Smith of Lubbock, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.   Nelson was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Brent Scott Wofford.

Celebration of Life Memorial Services for Nelson are planned for 11 AM on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the South Plains Church of Christ, 6802 Elkhart Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79424.  Mr. Jim Brewer will be the officiant for Nelson’s service.  Memorial services and cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes and Crematory.