Mr. Raymond A. Nelson

Raymond A. Nelson, 92, of Brighton, Michigan, passed away on November 18, 2018 at his home in Brighton, MI, presumably due to an inability to remember all of his progeny's names! A memorial celebrating his life will be held at the Brighton Christian Church, located at 4309 Buno Road in Brighton, Michigan on Saturday November 24th at 1:00 p.m. Ray was born December 15, 1925 in Manistique, Michigan to Everett and Pauline Nelson. Ray was preceded in death by five of his siblings, Loran, Lillian, Paul, and Joyce. He is survived by his brothers David and George. Ray is also survived by a Biblical-sized family—first and foremost his devoted wife of 69 years, Carolyn (nee Grabiel). Ray is survived by his brothers-in-law: John (Beverly) Grabiel; and Paul (Jacqui) Grabiel. Ray is also survived by three children: Deborah (John) Thieme; Rebecca (Rick) Ross; and Paul (Denise) Nelson. Ray is further survived by his fifteen grandchildren and their spouses: David (Sarah) Thieme; Becky (Brett) Stebbins; Rachel (Erik) Ernst, Nathan (Molly) Taubitz; Sarah (David) Wood; Zachary; Emily (James) Rader; Samuel (MaryRose); Malachi; Gabriel; Hosanna; Josiah; Talitha; Aleiyah; and Livia. And if that weren't enough, Ray is also survived by seventeen great-grandchildren: Abigail, Emma, Megan, Isaiah, and Ezekiel (Thieme); River, Maia, Bodhi, Bella and Connor (Taubitz); Lucas, Anika, Sadie, Cole, Cade (Stebbins); Evan and Meredith (Ernst). Ray Nelson worked hard to move up the ranks at Fisher Body as a journeyman, retiring as an engineer from General Motors Fischer Division in 1982. The ultimate handyman, Ray Nelson always lent service through his hard work, and modeled being a great family man to all. Ray and Carolyn met each other singing one night in March of 1949, with Carolyn at the piano. Captivated by her beauty, Ray asked Carolyn to go to a barn dance in a week…they were married 4 months later. They've been joined by music and God's love ever since.