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BORN
1928
DIED
2010
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James Nelson Obituary
Ret. Cmdr. James Rad Nelson, 81, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
Cmdr. James Rad Nelson was born in Waskom, Texas, on Dec. 11, 1928, to the parents of Rad Emery Nelson and Mary Lucille Rogers. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1946. Throughout his 36-year career, he was a Deep Sea Salvage Diver, a UDT 3 "Frogman" and was a member of the first UDT unit to see combat action during the Korean War. He was commissioned an Ensign in 1960 and had five "at sea" commands. He was commander of River Assault Division 112 in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Navy Cross, Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with Combat "V" and two Purple Hearts. His last command before retiring in 1982 was as commanding officer of the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City. At the time of his retirement, he was the oldest diver in the U.S. Navy.
Not content with retirement, he became a sworn officer with the Bay County Sheriff's Office and served 15 years retiring as a sergeant. He was also an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ Lamb of God.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Donna Nelson; three sons, William Nelson and wife, Divina, Harry Nelson and Rad Nelson and wife, Diane; one brother, Michael Nelson; two sisters, Betty Espinola and Ann Blankenship; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 25, 2010, in the Chapel of Kent-Forest Lawn, with Brother Don Hodges officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed online at www.kentforestlawn.com.
Funeral Home
2403 Harrison Ave.
Panama City, Fla. 32405
850-763-4694
www.kentforestlawn.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Nelson
Michael Nelson
June 20, 2010
Hey papa! I miss you and love you...i wish i could of sment more time with you then i did!! You will always be remembered as the BEST papa in the world to me! I love you! R.I.P.!!!!
May 31, 2010
Dad I miss you everyday. I remember your whistling, your laughter and smile. You showed & told me you loved me everyday. Thanks for Chet Atkins music. Thanks for you & Mother sharing & teaching me of Jesus Christ.
Love you Dad,, Will
William Nelson
May 31, 2010
Dad I miss you everyday. I remember your whistling, your laughter and smile. You showed & told me you loved me everyday. Thanks for Chet Atkins music. Thanks for you & Mother sharing & teaching me of Jesus Christ.
Love you Dad,, Will
Rad Nelson
May 30, 2010
I miss you very much Daddy. You are the best father a son could have. You always took care of us and we never went for want of anything. I can only hope to be half the man you are.
I love you, Your Son, Little Rad.
Bill Benson
April 6, 2010
God Speed, Commander Nelson, and God's Blessings upon the Nelson family. The Nation should be grateful for such examples of fortitude.
Semper Fidelis.
Don Cameron
March 26, 2010
I will miss him,he was a great guy.
R. Ferrick
March 25, 2010
Condolences to the family. The U.S. has lost a true patriot.
Rod Saint
March 24, 2010
Cmdr. Nelson, may he rest in peace. God bless the Nelson family. Rad, I am here for you.
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Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemeteries2403 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32405
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