J. David Nelson loved Lubbock and his involvement in the community was his calling. He received his J.D. in 1976 from Texas Tech University School of Law, joining his brother to form the law firm of Nelson & Nelson, where he practiced until his death. David became the Republican nominee for Lubbock County Court at Law #3 and was to take office on January 1, 2019. David was a member of the Lubbock County Bar Association, the Lubbock County Young Lawyers Association, the Texas Association of Defense Counsel and The American Board of Trial Advocates. He was a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. He was chosen Outstanding Young Lawyer of Lubbock County and served on the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board of Lubbock County. A member of the Lubbock City Council, he was appointed by two Texas Governors to serve on state boards, including the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and Texas Commission on Jail Standards. He served his community as United Way Volunteer of the Year, a board member of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Southwest, the Family Outreach Center of Lubbock, and the South Plains Kidney Foundation. He served on the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee. David was named a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He was a long-time fundraiser and participant of the Multiple Sclerosis 150 Bike Ride. David's family, including his wife Ainsley, brother Jack and sister Jill, is truly honored to receive the Distinguished Humanitarian Award in his memory. David's servant's heart and service to others will continue for years to come through the J. David Nelson Endowed Scholarship at the Texas Tech Law School Foundation.