Richard "Dick" Franklin Nelson
Ocala - Richard "Dick" Franklin Nelson, 80, of Ocala, passed away on January 26.
Dick was born on March 27, 1940 in Charleston, West Virginia. After graduating from high school in Toledo, Ohio, he studied at the University of Toledo, before joining the Army Security Agency.
He worked for the U.S. Defense Department, until he was recruited by defense contractor Sanders Associates. In 1975, he signed on with the Navy Department at Pinecastle Electronic Warfare Range in Florida. In 1987, he accepted an opportunity with Marion County, Florida, as the 9-1-1 Director, implementing the County's Enhanced 9-1-1 System. He served until his retirement in 2007.
He served as Chairman of the Florida Statewide 9-1-1 Coordinator Group and on the Board of Officers for the Florida Chapter of The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, serving as President from 2000-2001. In 1994, he received his Certified Public Manager designation from the Florida Center for Public Management at Florida State University.
He began volunteering and performing at Ocala Civic Theatre in 1983. He was Chairman of the Technical Committee to build the new theatre from 1986-1988. He was also a member of the Ocala Elks Lodge.
Dick is survived by his wife of 47 years, Maxine; his children, Martti Collins (Marc), Kenneth Nelson (Marissa), Eric Paro (Courtney), and Lisa Nelson; and his brother Thomas Nelson (Judy).
Dick's memorial page can be found at robertsfunerals.com.