DR. NELSON EUGENE MANDRELL
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June 25, 1922 – March 1, 2012
ANDERSON, SC - Dr. Nelson Eugene Mandrell, age 89, husband of Marion Dowis Mandrell, died Thursday, March 1, 2012, at the Rainey Hospice House.
Born in Beckham County, Oklahoma, he was the son of the late Nelson and Christel Mandrell. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a Master of Theology, and Master of Divinity. He also received a Doctor of Philosophy from Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He was Visiting Professor of Psychology of Religion at SBTS and Director of Clinical Training and Supervisor of Pastoral Care at Louisville Medical Center. He lectured in Abnormal Psychology at Clemson University School of Nursing and taught several Extension Courses for SBTS and helped establish a Chaplain’s Program for Pastoral Care. Among his many distinguished titles, Dr. Mandrell was Professor Emeritus at Anderson University, Chair of the Social Science Division, Chair of the Psychology Department and Chair of Faculty. The Psychology Laboratory, now known as the Mandrell Psychology Suite was started and named for Eugene and Marion. They also received the Annie Dove Denmark Award “to friends or alumni who have served Anderson College sacrificially and have advanced the programs and the highest aims of Anderson College.” He served as a Co-sponsor for Circle K and also on the Advisory Board for Center Stage at the Rainey Fine Arts Center. A major interest of his was performing the Theater Department productions and in the community theaters and working with international students.
Dr. Mandrell was a member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association, The Southeastern Psychological Association, SEPA Chair of Psychology Department Association, the American Association for Counseling and Development, President of the Baptist Guidance and Counseling Association, Anderson Rotary Club, and The Headstart Board.
In the mid 1960’s, Dr. Mandrell was an Advisor to the Faculty Desegregation Committee for the Anderson Public Schools and led a three-day conference on “A Guidance Program in a Desegregated System” for the Educators in the Savannah Georgia Schools.
He was a member of Boulevard Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Senior Choir member, and various committees. For many years, he was a Minister at Anderson Place Retirement. Since his retirement, he has participated in volunteer missions in Romania. He served as Pastor to churches in Oklahoma and Kentucky and was a Pastor of First Baptist Church in Walhalla, SC.
Dr. Mandrell is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marion Dowis Mandrell, daughter Jeanne Mandrell of Charlotte, NC, Dr. Nelson Mandrell of Chicago, grandson Nelson Mandrell of Tempe, Arizona, stepsister Nanette Abla of Oklahoma, family friend Barbara Comer of Charlotte, NC and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mae Bell Sheldon; brothers, Clayton Mandrell, and Billie Mandrell.
The family will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Boulevard Baptist Church on Sunday, March 4, 2012, at 2:00 pm officiated by Drs. Johnny McKinney and Paul Talmadge. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Boulevard Baptist Church, 700Boulevard Avenue, Anderson, SC 29621, Anderson University, 316 Boulevard Avenue, Anderson, SC 29621, or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers road, Anderson, SC 29621.
The family is at the home.
A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.