Joseph Lee Nelson, age 84, of Clearwater, Florida passed away peacefully on January 6, 2020 with his family surrounding him. Joe was born to George and Leanna (Manuel) Nelson October 27, 1935 in Kernersville, North Carolina. He graduated from Kernersville High School in 1955. He served in the United States Army from 1958-1960 and again from 1961-1962 during the Berlin Crisis. On July 22, 1959 while stationed at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he met the love of his life on a blind date. He and Carol were married on December 3, 1960 and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. This union produced two daughters and 9 grandchildren. Joe was in the motel business for 15 years, which is what brought them to Clearwater in 1969. He subsequently worked for Lance Inc. for 17 years and retired in 1997. After a one year sabbatical, he started his third career as a crossing guard, which he did for 19 years. Joe had a lifelong love of music and taught himself to play the guitar at age 11. He played on live radio, and formed the first band (of many) with his brothers when they were teenagers. He loved Gospel music and wrote over 50 gospel songs. He passed his love of music on to his daughters and grandchildren. He yielded his life to the Lord when he was in fourth grade and was always a faithful and devoted church member. He loved to study the Bible and enjoyed teaching Sunday School and working with young people. He was currently a member and served as a deacon at Keene Terrace Baptist Church. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious laughter, his loyal friendship, and his unparalleled generosity. He was a dedicated family man and delighted in being Papaw to his grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his five siblings, and his grandson, Benjamin. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his daughter, Pam Compton (Dave) of Palatka, FL; his daughter, Jodi Deputy (J.R.) of Fort Valley, GA; his grandchildren - Rachel Compton of Palatka, FL; Reid Compton (Claudia) of Denver, CO; Brian Deputy (Reggie) of Philadelphia, PA; Brittany Deputy, Bridget Deputy, Joshua Deputy, Jonathan Deputy, and Megan Deputy of Fort Valley, GA. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he treasured. They all remember him fondly for his kind heart, love of music and unique laugh. Visitation will be held at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, January 9, 2020 from 5:30-7pm and January 10, 2020 at 11:30am. Funeral services will follow at 12:30pm January 10, 2020. Graveside burial will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (myasthenia.org) in his honor. Don't weep for him, he no longer suffers. His beautiful voice is restored, and he's praising Jesus with Uncle Albert and Uncle Roger once again!
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.3