ROCKY MOUNT – Nelson Stewart Lockey, age 70, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2014.  Born in Laurinburg on April 24, 1943, he was the son of the late Robert Stewart Lockey and Luvertia Yates Lockey.  He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn Sanderlin Lockey.

He served his country in the United States Army from 1962 – 1965. Nelson started his career at the Raleigh Police Department in August of 1965 as a patrol officer and worked his way through the ranks of detective, sergeant, lieutenant and then retired as a captain of the Raleigh Police Department in 1991.  He was a certified law enforcement instructor teaching in the Raleigh Police Academy and the Coastal Plain Law Enforcement Academy in Wilson.  He was also a hostage negotiator.

A graduate of Wake Technical Community College and NC Wesleyan College, he also graduated from the FBI National Academy and Southern Police Institute for Police Managers.

Nelson had interests in genealogy, woodworking, collecting toys and police memorabilia.  He was the Vice President of the Down East Scottish Society.  He was also a volunteer fireman in Laurinburg.  Nelson never met a stranger and was often seen entertaining others with his vast array of stories.

He leaves behind his wife of 10 years, Kay Dawson Lockey; son, Robert Nelson Lockey and wife Rebecca; daughter, Laura Lockey Fahnestock and husband Van; granddaughters, Carol Lockey and Victoria Fahnestock; step-daughters, Kelly Wiggins and Deborah Farrow; and step-grandchildren, Brandon, Noah, Gil and Katlyn.  He is also survived by brothers, Robert Duncan Lockey, James Lee Lockey and Morrison Glenn Lockey.

A funeral service with United States Army military honors was held on Sunday, February 2, 2014 at the Church of the Good Shepherd with Dr. Diane Deats and the Rev. Howard Kendrick officiating.  Visitation and reception followed in the church fellowship hall.  Burial will take place at Hillside Memorial Park in Laurinburg at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America, 617 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Meals on Wheels, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.