I worked with Dr. Nelson in Bartow at the Occupational Clinic for several years and did private transcription services for him for several more.  My heart breaks to see this information as he was a truly kind man.  His leaving this world is a loss!!!!  My heart goes out to the family.  Kim Durrance

To The Nelson Family: My heart goes out to you and I am praying for you all during this time of loss and grief.  

I worked at the Hialeah office for 4-1/2 years.  I remember both Dr. Nelson and Lorraine being so kind and good to me, especially since I was a young single gal, living on my own. 

One time I had my third bout of strep throat and Dr. Nelson told me I had no choice in the matter, he was scheduling me for surgery! Before he performed the surgery, he placed a hand on my shoulder and offered a word of prayer. He did that with all his patients no matter how major or minor the procedure. He was a wonderful witness for God and a remarkable man.  

I remember when I returned to work after vacation and made an announcement that I was engaged, then showing the only photo I had of my future husband which was a high school graduation picture...with a very serious expression, Dr. Nelson asked, "he's a little young for you, don't you think?"

In August, 1968 Dr.and Mrs. Nelson both attended my wedding and Lorraine, you played the piano and organ. It was later that year in your annual Christmas letter, that you let me know you were expecting your third child after just sending Ron off to college.  After I married, I only saw you a few times since I moved to Ohio, and with the last time being at the wedding of Harry and Lynda in Kettering.  

My whirlwind engagement/marriage lasted 45 wonderful years until I lost my dear sweet David in Oct, 2013. So yes I know how you are feeling.  
Like you, I have comfort in knowing that the love of my life is asleep in the arms of Jesus until we are reunited on that wonderful day!  May God bless you all.

To The Nelson Family:  Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss.  Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

OUR MEMORIES OF DR.CHARLES H. NELSON 
Our memories go back to our growing up years in Orange County Calif.  The Nelsons lived in Santa Ana, The Sommerville family lived in Anaheim and the Fults family lived in Fullerton and then moved to Santa Ana.  Our family groups were all friends and enjoyed many Sabbath afternoon together visiting, picnicking or sharing potlucks.  In Fullerton the Sommerville, Steen and Fults children all went to Church School together.
Charles and Lorraine's Wedding was very special. They made a beautiful bride and handsome groom for sure.  A Few year later, Lewis Sommerville married Marjorie Fults which then made us part of their family.  In the years to follow we had many wonderful times together. Our children as cousins enjoyed playing together.
After Lewis (Bud) finished his national Boards in San Francisco, Charles, Lorraine and their boys traveled with us across the USA. We parted to go to Portsmouth Navy Hospital for internship in the Navy and they went on to Florida where they lived.  The many visits during the years to Florida from Asheville (where we located) provide rich memories of Christmas times together,  swimming, visiting Key West, Disney, Universal Studios, Cypress Gardens and more. There were wonderful mangos from their trees when they lived on a mango ranch.  On one visit to Florida, Marje gashed open her hand trying to get a coconut out of its shell.  Charles was there to stitch up the gapping wound, which healed nicely.

Their visits to Asheville included trips to Gatlinburg, Lake Lure, Craggy Garden, Smokey Mountains, Biltmore House, Grove Park Inn, especially at Christmas to see the Gingerbread Houses. Harry and Ron would spend summers with their grandfather and grandmother Sommerville in Asheville and of course be with their cousins for swims and other activities.  One summer both families went to Lake Lure.  We all loved to water ski and took our turns.  Seems Charles wadded out into the water and then fell.  He had stumbled over a rock or something and had to have help getting up.   It turned out that he had broken a bone in the knee area and was laid up with a full leg cast for a while.  He had to do his surgeries sitting on a high barstool for several weeks. We were all so sorry for this accident.
 
Harry and Ron attended Southern Missionary College in Chattanooga.  At graduation time, Charles, Lorraine and baby Lou Ann flew in their plane to attend the graduation weekend.  We did not see but heard about the forced landing in a cow pasture due to bad weather that miraculously caused no injuries.  God was good and watching out for them so many times.  Which reminds me of another time when they picked up Patti in Jacksonville on way to Asheville, another experience of God's protection.

Soon after Lou Ann graduated from Mt. Pisgah Academy, Charles decided they should see America, so he bought a used motor home and came by Asheville on their way west. It did not look too trustworthy but off they went.  We did hear some of the stories about that trip which was quite an adventure but surely memorable.  Guardian angels were with them again for sure.  Thankfully, they returned without major injury.

 Charles always had a load of cameras with him since he did enjoy taking pictures where everywhere he went. We remember going to the China City in Florida with Charles and Lorraine and he could hardly walk for all the gear hanging on him! Where are all those pictures now?? What a lot of documented memories they would show!
 
After our children were grown, Charles and Lorraine invited us to join them on a cruise put on by the Heritage Singers.  We accepted and had a great time seeing the Caribbean.  On a boat tour near a reef we all got out to swim and snorkel. I don't remember that we had any life jackets but as time went by the tide became strong and it was hard to get back to the boat.  We were worried about Charles and kept an eye out for him.  He did make it back as did we all but we were all exhausted.  We did see our pretty fish and the experience was one not to be forgotten.  The entire trip, including the side excursions, wonderful food and friends are all wonderful memories.

For several years we took a week vacation in Buena Vista, Florida. Sometimes Charles and Lorraine would join us for a few days.  Walking the shopping area, eating out, playing games, swimming in the pool or steaming in the Jacuzzi kept us busy.  But just visiting and catching up on what was going on in our lives or in politics was the best of all.  We cherish these times we had together.  And then Charles and Lorraine (after her nursing retirement) moved up to Greenville, Tenn. to be with Harry and Lynda. 

Although we lived closer, it seemed we did not see each other as often as we wanted too. The youthful vim, vigor and vitality were slipping away.  Lynda and Harry were good to bring them over here while they did errands in Asheville.  We appreciated that so much. Charles look tired and many times was not very responsive.  I think he enjoyed listening to all our chatter and just felt relaxed.

We will miss Charles but know that God has His timing for all of us.  The important thing is that we be faithful and ready when our turn comes.  We will meet again and that is God's promise to His tired and weary Pilgrims.  

Love you all,
Lewis Cass Sommerville  ( Bud, Doc, Uncle, Lorraine's Brother)
Marjorie Jeanne Fults Sommerville ( Marje, Auntie, Sister-in-law)

Dr. Charles Nelson and I met at the Lakeland Seventh-Day Adventist Church. I became very active in ministry under his leadership as the Health Ministry Director.  He organized 5 Day Stop Smoking programs and many other programs. When I accepted a call for the Prison Ministries, his words to me were, Robert, whatever work comes to you from the Lord, do it with all your might. Now after 11 years of this ministry, and with 77 baptisms, his words are still in my mind, do it with all your might!  He was our Lay-Advisory leader, Head Elder, Health Ministry leader.  Now he sleeps in the Lord, but I look to see him in GLORY!
My Love to the Family,
Robert Wilson

I worked with Dr. Nelson in the Surgery Clinic at Polk General Hospital. He was always loving and kind to his patients very soft spoken and a real gentleman. We could always tell when he was coming to the clinic because we could hear his cowboy boots clip/clopping down the hall. We would say, Here comes our Doctor".... 
May he rest in Peace and hear the Lord say to him "Welcome to Heaven, my good and faithful servant".
Patricia Joppien, LPN retired
Mulberry, Florida

Dear extended Nelson Family:
It is with sad - and understanding - hearts that we write to you.   This is Lynette writing for Charles Martin - and our family.   Though we have been a long time since 'talking' - the 'tie that binds' never goes away!  With the beginning of another Sabbath, it marks the second Sabbath since our dear Eleene suddenly passed away.   So we surely understand your pain and sorrow with this loss.   

Dad is sitting here with me and says "Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow.   We wish we could be with you as a family at the Service, but want you to know that we share in your grief.    I have very pleasant memories of Santa Ana when all of us were considerably younger and had wonderful times together.   Dear Lorraine, special prayers are with you in the loss of your beloved partner.  Along with you, I also look forward to the Promised Reunion that is coming soon, and we will lean heavily on the Lord's arms to carry us through."

And from Lynette -- Oh, how hard it is to walk through these times of loss - again and again ... hearts are heavy and longing for the Heaven's return.    It is so hard, isn't it, to see these wonderful, beautiful people in our lives go through these painful separations and endure it with faith to look ahead and walk forward towards God's promised coming.
Watching Dad's pain - yet again - these past two weeks, Cindy and I just cried when he cried, and stayed by his side to help him feel less alone.    So --  we can say with true feeling as we experience it with you - we are so sorry and we know what you are feeling.  

I remember Uncle Charles so well, the last time we visited, he was so bent forward and looked so uncomfortable, bless his heart, at least he is at rest and having no pain - and the promise of a new body is such a rich one for him!  And you, Aunt Lorraine, what a beautiful lady you have always been, and though your heart will be heavy, we will pray the Lord will be close and hold you up in those loving arms.

Harry, Lynda and family - we send our love - know these weeks/months have been hard, and hoping we can reconnect and catch up.    I moved here to be closer to help take care of Dad, just didn't expect it to be like this - he is sweeter every day - at 92 is a joy to have around, he is such a Prince of a man, and I am so privileged to be his daughter and be a part of keeping him safe, healthy and loved.  May God - our Heavenly Father - surround us all and give us the wisdom, love and ability to care for these loved ones the way He would - and till that day of true Reunion,
we share your longing and, with prayers, send our love.    We'll connect again soon.  God bless you greatly.  Lynette and Charles Martin

To the Nelson Family - May God love and comfort you during this time as you miss your loved one.  Prayers for the days to come.  May God richly bless you and your family.
Diane Malone

Many years ago I spent about 6 months as chief resident at Hialeah Hospital, awaiting the result of the Florida Board Exams so I could be licensed.  After receiving my license, I stayed on the staff as an anesthesiologist for a few months.During this time Dr. Charles Nelson was Head of the Medical  Staff, a position obtained by the vote of his peers on an annual basis. This speaks well for the respect he had earned and for their recognition of his skill as a surgeon.

I remember Dr. Nelson, was a kind man to his patients and co-workers.  I worked in the office and took care of his patients on the business end.  Everyone always spoke well of him.

Dr. Nelson served the poor and indigent at Polk General Hospital, Bartow, Florida for many years. I had the privilege of working with him. His patients adored him. He was a kind, thoughtful, Christian man. RIP my friend.

OBITUARY

Harry Charles Nelson Jr.

16 June, 1921 – 15 July, 2015

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home

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