Nelson Sola

In Loving Memory of Nelson Sola December 10, 1953 – March 30, 2025
Our hearts are heavy, but they're also full of love as we remember Nelson Sola-a husband, father, grandfather, and friend who made all our lives a whole lot brighter.
If you knew Nelson, you knew how easy it was to love him. He had that rare mix of chill energy, cool sense of humor, and deep loyalty that made everyone feel at ease. He had this grin that could light up a room, a laugh that pulled you in, and a way of telling stories that made you forget everything else. And honestly, everyone thought he was the coolest guy. From lifelong friends to the checkout girl at Publix-people looked forward to seeing Nelson. He had a way of making everyone feel like they mattered. He didn't just walk into a room he brought warmth and good vibes with him.
From His Daughters – Tanya and Jennifer
We've heard it a thousand times: "You are so lucky to have a dad like him." And they were right. He wasn't just a great father-he was the kind of dad who made time for us, always. Whether it was late-night movie marathons or deep-dive chats about life, shows, and whatever random topic came up, he was all in. He had endless movie and TV show recommendations and always knew which ones we would especially enjoy.
Tanya's favorite memory: My 3D ultrasound, where Dad placed his hand on my belly and said, "Hi Aidan, it's Grandpa." Aidan smiled, in my belly, and that was it. A bond for life. The nurse even captured a photo of that smile. And when the hospital tagged the bassinet "Aidan Sola" before he even had an official name, Dad took that little tag home and treasured it. That was Dad. Sentimental, soft, and proud-especially of his family.
Jennifer's favorite memory: I'll always remember when you taught me to drive in your stick shift Isuzu. I was terrible, I hit mailbox after mailbox. But you just laughed. That was you somehow always having fun.
You weren't just my dad, you were the person I always wanted to be around. My friends felt the same way, always wanting to call you to share funny stories. While most kids count down the days 'til summer to be free. I counted down so I could hang out at your bar and play pool. You were always the most fun.
We'll miss his stories, his hilarious commentary, and hearing his voice saying, "Hey Babe" as he walked into the room or answered our call. We'll miss just being with him. We will love you forever.
From His Sons-In-Law
Nelson was a great father-in-law. He showed genuine interest in what his "sons" were interested in and worked hard at maintaining that friendly common ground. He remembered details both small and large about their lives and would often ask them about their work, other family, friends, hobbies or vacations. He never wanted to be a bother but always made sure he was available to help with anything his sons might need.
Anthony's fondest memories: I didn't share Nelson's love of sports but we did bond over movies and TV shows. He was a walking TV Guide. He would get so excited talking about a new show we were watching, I'd have to constantly make sure he wouldn't spoil any important details for me because he was inevitably always several episodes ahead of me. Whenever Tanya and I were on vacation, Nelson would send me picture updates of our cats, knowing that would make us happy to see how well taken care of they were. Yes even our cats thought he was cool - often showing him special attention that they wouldn't even show us. Nelson was warm, happy and genuinely appreciative of even the smallest gifts or gestures given to him. I will miss him dearly.
Damon's fondest memory: The night Tanya and I found out she was pregnant. Nelson was at the house, and I ran out to the living room to tell him. We started jumping up and down, yelling, "We're having a boy! We're having a boy!!" Tanya was so confused-she was like, "We don't even know that yet!" But Nelson and I were celebrating like we'd just won the World Series. We ran around the house, and I started ordering UGA gear while Nelson was probably already picking out a Yankee hat for Aidan. Honestly, I'm not sure who was more excited-Tanya and I, or Nelson. It was the happiest I had ever seen him.
Jason's fondest memory: I'll miss seeing his 3:00 AM Fantasy trade notifications and his passion for sports. He would always light up, and we talked about sports for a long time. He never tired of it. Most of all, I'll miss his deep love for his family. He cared so much, and I am happy just to have been a part of it for the time I had.
From His Grandkids – Aidan and Jordan
Grandpa wasn't just a grandparent. He was a best friend, a coach, a secret candy supplier, a pool-game inventor, and the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines. Aidan didn't just lose a grandfather-he lost his best friend in the world. They were inseparable. From shooting hoops to watching movies, they shared something incredibly rare and beautiful. Jordan will miss her basketball coach and biggest fan. Grandpa made everything more fun, whether it was splashing in the pool or just hanging out. His joy was contagious, and we felt so safe and loved when he was around. We miss you more than words can say, Grandpa. We love you.
From His Wife – Frances
Nelson and I met at the Kingdom Hall when I was 12 and he was 14. That was it-love at first sight. We knew we would spend the rest of our lives together. I was 18 and Nelson 20. We were childhood sweethearts who truly grew up together, learning life side-by-side. We didn't always have it easy, but we stuck together through it all. Our bond was unshakable, grounded in deep love and friendship. Most of all, in our shared devotion to our daughters and grandchildren-who were always the heart of everything we did. We were each other's safe place. Many times we knew what the other was thinking. Sometimes he would say: You know what I'm feeling like having for dinner? It was always what I had in mind. We knew each other like a book. We saw the world thru the same eyes. We agreed on most things. Nel always knew what kind of movies or documentaries I liked watching and always taped them for me. When my friend Julie would visit, he would say, I taped this for you and Julie. We had our shows we liked watching together, laughing, relaxing, and enjoying our favorite meals together. It didn't have to be fancy-it just had to be together or with family. That was enough. Our family bought us our greatest joy. Nelson also loved his cousins and my family very much. He loved my family like his own. My mother, my sisters, my nieces and nephews.
A Life Well Lived
Born in Manhattan and later rooted in Georgia, Nelson left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty. He was the beloved husband of Frances Sola, the cherished father of Tanya Christiano and Jennifer Spencer, and the adored grandfather of Aidan Vann and Jordan Spencer. He was also a loving son to John Sr. and Hilda Sola, and a brother to John Sola, Jr.
He loved the Yankees and somehow made even a regular season game feel like the World Series. But more than sports, Nelson loved his people. He made life lighter, better, and more fun just by being himself.
Nelson wouldn't want us to be sad. He wouldn't want to be remembered as sick or tired-he left quickly, just as he would've wanted, with all of us remembering him full of life, full of love, and full of energy.
We'll see you again dad. We'll see you again grandpa. We'll see you again Nelson. We're counting down the days until we can hug you, talk to you, laugh with you and be with you again in paradise.
We're counting down the days.
The Graveside service to celebrate the life of Nelson Sola will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 12:30 PM at Corinth Memorial Gardens, Loganville, GA. In lieu of flowers. the family asks that you consider a memorial donation to The American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or Jehovah's Witness, www.jw.org in memory of Nelson Sola.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.