Doug Nelson can be found most days sitting in his deck chair at the side of South Mill Street waving to passersby. He sells fresh shrimp - and sometimes boiled peanuts - from his cooler. And he has a smile for everyone, whether it's a regular customer, or just someone passing through.
"I sell peanuts, shrimp and fish," said Nelson. "It's something I love to do. I'd like anybody who wants to have a chat and buy some seafood or boiled peanuts to stop by and see me. If you need something special ordered, it will take me two days to get it to you."
Nelson likes to be around people in town. He also enjoys when people stop by for a conversation and to ask about prices. Many of Nelson’s friends will stop by for a quick chat and visit.
Originally from Alcolu, Nelson moved to Summerton 50 years ago to live with his wife, who is a native of Summerton. The couple has now been married 58 years. According to Nelson, he buys his shrimp fresh from Georgetown Seafood. The prices for his merchandise vary, but he maintains that all are fresh.
Selling shrimp and peanuts on the side of the road has been something Nelson only pursued after his retirement from the Clarendon County Recreation Department. He misses working there, he said, but he enjoys his small business.
“I work all the time now because I love to work," he said. "Even though I am retired, I work most days and keep myself busy. I love to meet people because I love socializing and talking to people. I like it even more if they buy something from me though.”
He is a committed fan of NASCAR racing. He said his wife tells people he doesn't like to talk to anyone when NASCAR is on TV.
“I want everybody to call me shrimp man," he said. "That’s what I go by."
