Roscoe Nelson Jr.
Ocean City

Family and friends are sad to report that Roscoe Heath Nelson, Jr. of Ocean City, passed away on Sept. 29, 2025, at the Deer’s Head Hospital Center, in Salisbury, after a lengthy illness. He was 79.

He was predeceased by his parents, Roscoe Heath Nelson, Sr. and Josephine Sobotka Nelson, as well as his brother, George Thomas Nelson, and sisters, Virginia Lee Parsons, and Dorothy Mae Timmons.

He is survived by his nephew, Travis Donaway (Brittanie) and a great-nephew, Coulter Donaway, both of Snow Hill. Also, very dear to Roscoe were special friends Judy Whalan and Caitlin Whalan Jones.

Roscoe attended Stephen Decatur High School. While in junior high, Roscoe lost his left arm in a hunting accident. However, that did not deter him from continuing to hunt. Roscoe was also an accomplished pitcher in the Ocean City slow-pitch softball leagues.

Roscoe attended Woodrow Wilson School of Drafting, and became a fine draftsman, providing plans for many local construction projects.

After high school Roscoe held many different jobs that would all leave lasting effects on the local community. Roscoe was a skilled carpenter, and he helped design hotels that still line the beach and boardwalk today.

In 1996, Roscoe leased the Alamo Motel on Route 50 in West Ocean City. The Alamo was the first motel in the Ocean City area, and was built by the Harmon family. At the time Roscoe leased it, it had been closed for several years. But through hard work, Roscoe got it running, and became a successful hotelier. He eventually opened a bar and a barbecue restaurant, at Alamo. He advertised the restaurant by purchasing a Volkswagen “Beetle,” painting it pink with a pig’s snout, attaching pig’s ears and parking it in front of the Alamo.

Roscoe operated the Alamo until illness forced his retirement. He will be remembered for always giving a helping hand, his quick wit, and giving everyone a smile and a wave from his “nub.” Roscoe touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at Sorriano’s Coffee Shop, 306 South Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City.

The family of Roscoe would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff of Deer’s Head Hospital in Salisbury for the care that Roscoe received over the past few years.

Donations can be made, in Roscoe’s name to Worcester County Humane Society.