Eric Baron wrote: I had the privilege of knowing Nelson in the 3 or 4 years leading up to his death. He was a kind and friendly man and was always happy to share stories of his life in professional wrestling. His passing was saddening to those of us who knew him but also a blessing in many ways, as life had not left him very healthy. We were all happy to discover that his partner for many years had every intention of keeping his other life’s love, Nelson Royal’s Western Store (on Highway 150 in Mooresville, NC) open and operational. The store still offers gear and supplies to the few remaining farmers in the Mooresville area (and it’s a great place to get a good pair of boots!).