It all started with Ocean Lakes Family Campground which opened on July 2, 1971. Ocean Lakes began with 30 sites and one bathhouse. Many of Nelson’s expansion ideas started with a drawing on a napkin. He thought big, and Nelson and Mary Emily took a big risk, partly to keep their land and pay the inheritance tax. It was not easy. In a 1999 interview Nelson shared part of his philosophy, “Let’s face it…when you get right down to it, we are all in the people business, and if you don’t love people, you won’t have much business.” They loved to visit with the guests, to camp in their motorhome on site HH-55 (beside their guests), and to welcome everyone to the Sunday morning Church Service in the Ocean Lakes Recreation Center. The July 4th Patriotic Golf Car Parade at Ocean Lakes was one of their favorite events. Nelson personally led the parade in one of his customized golf cars, with others driven by family and friends.

Nelson Jackson was an idea man. Mary Emily was very business minded, keeping up with the stock market and business trends. Through the years they started many businesses, most still thriving today. Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village was established in the 70’s. Buses stayed close to Nelson’s heart as he formed Sunway Charter and Tours. The Jacksons worked with Pete & P.B. Dye to design the award-winning Prestwick Golf & Country Club, opening in 1989. SayeBrook, established in 2003, is the mixed-use center that includes retail, restaurant, office and civic uses within the 40-acre Town Center area located at the corner of Highway 544 and US 17 Bypass.

They have received many honors through the years. On February 26, 2004, the Governor of South Carolina awarded them the state’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto. This award recognized them for being outstanding civic and business leaders while improving the quality of life for the entire Myrtle Beach community, and inspiring others with their tremendous work and philanthropy, leading by example. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jackson passed away in 2010, and the teammates still feel the loss. Their portrait hangs near the teammate entrance to the Main Office, adjacent to the Training Room. It reminds team members, old and new, of our amazing founders and the legacy that blesses us all.