Roger Mayhew Nelson

Roger Mayhew Nelson went to heaven on May 12, 2023. Born in 1933, he grew up in the beautiful state of Michigan, born in Mancelona, where he had many wilderness adventures with his brothers Gary, Tom & Bob. He graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Marketing and Psychology.

He is preceded in death by his wife Carol Jean Nelson, son Steven Nelson, and granddaughter Ashley Roche. His pride and joy were his children; Steven Nelson, Angela Redden (Daniel), Karen Nelson (John), Jeff Nelson, Kelly Goodchild (Peter) his 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy in Washington D.C. He was an executive of The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P) and retired after 30 years, then worked for the IRS and retired after 15 years.

A Jacksonville Beach native of 45 years, one of his greatest passions was the ocean. He loved walking on the local beaches where he met many friends through the years. He was very active until the end and lived an amazing life.

He had a generous spirit and made many contributions to the local community. He, his late wife, and grandson Bryan helped with the building of Sunshine Park in Jacksonville Beach. He volunteered at Baptist Medical Center Beaches for 16 years. He and his wife made numerous charitable donations to help children’s hospitals through the years.

He loved to travel and spent time in Alaska, Germany, Martha’s Vineyard and Bar Harbor and took many cruises.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023, 5-7pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home,

1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach.

Graveside services for Roger will be held Friday, May 19, 2023, at 10:30am at

Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at

www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com for the Nelson family.