Gary T. Nelson

Please use the link below to view the services of Gary Nelson on Friday, February 3, 2023.
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Lakeland - Gary Nelson, 88, passed away on December 19, 2022 at the Lakeland Regional Hospital. He
was born in Mancelona, Michigan on August 22, 1934, to parents Ted and Ruth Nelson. He was 4 years
old when his father died. Five years later his mother married Del Cowan and the family moved to
Dewitt, Michigan.

After graduating from Dewitt High School, he attended Lansing Business College while working part-time
at Kroger’s Supermarket. In 1954, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged and
then began attending Michigan State University.

While in school he married Carlie Marie Wood. After graduation, the family, including their three sons,
moved to Ohio where Gary went to work for Armour & Co. as a marketing representative. After two
years in the retail marketing business, he was hired by Auto-Owners Insurance Company in the
Underwriting department in Lansing Michigan. Gary worked for them for 30 years and made several
moves with the company. His last move was to Lakeland, Florida where he retired as Regional Vice
President.

Gary was a long-time active member of United Methodist Temple in Lakeland. Gary was a member of
the American Legion Post #4. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, and fishing but was unable to pursue them
in his later years.

His wife, Carlie, predeceased him in 2017 after 59 years of marriage. Survivors include sons, Kenneth
(Sheila), Robert (Sonia) and Patrick (Nancy), seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1:00pm followed by a celebration of life at 2:00pm on
Friday February 3, 2023, at Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.


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