Earleton – Marvin Lewis Nelson, 89, longtime resident of Earleton, FL, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021. He was born on July 11, 1931, in Autaugaville, AL and later adopted by Jack and Kay Nelson and grew up in Tampa, FL. He graduated from Sewannee Military Academy and enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard. After his military service, Poppa received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tampa in 1959 and received a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Florida in 1964. He was employed by the Hillsborough County School System for 11 years as a teacher and administrator. Later he moved to Earleton and was employed for 25 years with the Alachua County Public Schools serving as assistant principal at Gainesville High School, and principal at Hawthorne Jr. – Sr. High School, Shell Elementary and Lake Forest Elementary before retiring in July 1995. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Ada Davis Nelson. He is survived by four children, Susan K. Dendler (Joel) of Winthrop, NY, Dona N. Reetz (Michael) of Tallahassee, FL, Adam D. Nelson (Shantel) of Hawthorne, FL, and Jack H. Nelson (Becky) of Earleton, FL. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Sarah, Melissa (Richard), Michael, Sheyenne, Danielle (Lee), Cole, Zachery, and Kelsey and one great grandchild, Emory. In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by his beloved aunt and uncle, Elinor and George Stroh.
He was a man of few words, but very wise with an understanding ear and deliberate wisdom. He was a compassionate school administrator who would always look for the best in the children he served. When not working at school, he is best remembered as a humble man who loved his family, loved working outdoors, especially in his garden, and instilling the value of a hard day’s work in his children.
A celebration of Poppa and Grandma Ada’s life will be held on June 26, 2021 at their home. For those who wish to remember Poppa, in lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the Alzheimer’s Association – Central and North Florida Chapter to further the research of dementia. Please enclose a note with your name, address and that the gift is in memory of Marvin L. Nelson and mail to 14010 Roosevelt Blvd #709, Clearwater, FL 33762.
The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the round the clock caregivers for their extraordinary care and concern while caring for Poppa while he was at home.
Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 South Main Street Gainesville, FL. (352) 376-5361 www.milamfh.com
