Gerald “Jerry” Richard Nelson, age 83, passed away Tuesday October 8, 2019 at his home in Oviedo, Florida surrounded by his family and under the care of hospice. Formerly of Greenville, he had been in Oviedo since 2007. Jerry was born on April 20, 1936, the only child of Leo and Velma (Moore) Nelson. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1954, attended Ferris State College and Grand Rapids Junior College and served in the US Army from 1959-1962. On August 10, 1963, he married Carol Ann Kay and together they raised 2 children in the home Jerry built on Baldwin Lake Rd. Jerry began his career on the factory line at Gibson Products and ended as Vice President of Industrial Engineering for Belding Products. When the company closed in the late 1980’s, Jerry launched his own company (World Wide Associates), which he ran until significant medical issues in late 2006 forced his retirement. In 2007, he and Carol moved to Oviedo, FL to be closer to their children. His extensive involvement in community service included the Greenville Jaycees (holding local and state offices) and Rotary Club (past President). Jerry put into action his passion and dedication to the arts and education, as he proudly served on the Greenville Public School Board of Education for 33 years. In 1995, he received the School Bell Award for significant contributions to the school district and in 2007 was awarded a Special Tribute from the State of Michigan for “the hard work, dedication and professionalism put forth on behalf of the people of Greenville.” Jerry was a long-standing, head-bobbing double bassist for the Flat River Big Band, Flat River Community Players and Danish Festival Band. He played with heart, soul and visible joy! A man of great character with an even greater sense of humor, Jerry was a Jazz enthusiast, popcorn & potato chip connoisseur and a loving husband, father and grandfather He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol; children Tina Nelson, Mark Nelson; grandchildren Michael, Mark and Amanda Nelson, all of Oviedo, Florida; Brother-in-law Bill Kay of Ormond Beach, FloridaHe was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday October 19th at the Turk Lake Restaurant & Bar banquet room. Burial will follow at Forest Home Cemetery. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home in Oviedo, FL and Hurst Funeral Home in Greenville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Education Foundation of Greenville, 1414 Chase Road, Greenville, MI 48838 or VITAS Hospice.