Mr. Gary Ray Nelson

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Gary Ray Nelson, was called home by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Gary passed peacefully in his home with family by his side. His life was well lived and he was well loved by all that knew him. Gary was born April 13, 1956 in Newark, NY and his family moved to Wartrace where he spent most of his formative years growing up amongst family. In 1998, Gary married the love of his life and best friend, Patti. They spent the next 22 ½ years living in the Nashville area until moving back to Bedford County in February 2021. Gary worked in construction, farming, and trucking for most of his working years. He was fiercely loyal to family and friends and had a great sense of humor. He loved music and loved spending time watching videos of classic Motown hits, among others. He was known to be able to bust a move when a good song came on. To add to his love of music, he learned to play guitar later in life and became quite good at it in a short time. He also loved fishing and was excited to move back to where he grew up so he could spend more time enjoying the outdoors and fishing. Almost as much as he loved music, Gary loved Butterfinger cake and brownies. He was known to (play) fight you over some Butterfinger cake. And he would always win. No one could deny him his Butterfinger cake. Gary had a huge heart and would give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it. His kindness and gentle nature were hidden by his sense of humor and his goal of always making you smile. Whether he was calling you a silly nickname, telling jokes, or just kidding around with you, he was always sure to get a smile out of you. He was also one to tell you he loves you at the end of every visit or conversation. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ivory (Plank) Nelson and Dorothy (Dot) Maxwell Nelson; brother, Michael (Mike) Nelson; and nephew, Adrian Edward Nelson. He is survived by: Cherri Elam (daughter, Alexis Elam), Ricky Nelson, Karen (Charles) Nelson Smith (granddaughter, Aryanna Nelson) Rodney Nelson, Felicia (Lisa) Nelson, Yolanda (John) Nelson Klan (daughter, Secret High) Son: Geoffrey Nathan Nelson, Daughter: Moneka Johnson Bell, Grandchildren: Laneva Bell, David Bell, Dylanna Bell, Devyn Rose Wilson, Dalton Reese Wilson To honor Gary’s giving spirit, in lieu of flowers donations are requested to support Gateway Outreach, a ministry of Gateway Church. https://gatewayshelbyville.com/giving Viewing and Visitation to be held Saturday, June 19, 2021, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel2022 N. Main StreetShelbyville, TN 37160 www.feldhausmemorial.com Celebration of Life Service held Sunday, June 20, 2021, 5:00 pm at Gateway Church 1250 Madison Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 www.gatewayshelbyville.com

Mr. Gary Ray Nelson

April 13, 1956 - June 15, 2021