Marvin Nelson

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Hardage- Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

A beloved father and husband, Marvin was born July 24, 1950, to Annie Nelson Matthews and Bennie Williams in Camilla, Georgia, and was a longtime resident of both Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Lergia Vidal (Jacksonville, FL), two children, Marvin Nelson II (Daytona, FL) and Yolanda Courtney Lyle (New York, NY), two sisters, Shirley Matthews Jeff Holmes (Tallahassee, FL) and Katie Matthews (Tallahassee, FL), a brother, Robert (Moon) Nelson (Tallahassee, FL), a grandson, Christopher Lyle (New York, NY), as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends and his beloved dog, Thor.

Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Kay Maupin-Nelson; his mother, Annie Nelson Matthews; his father, Bennie Williams; and his beloved grandmother, Avilla Nelson, who raised him from childhood.

In 1969, Marvin proudly joined the United States Armed Forces and enlisted in the Navy. After years of active duty, he ended his career as an accomplished Naval Recruiter. Next to his children, Marvin’s service in the military was his proudest accomplishment. After retiring from the Navy, he spent a number of years in the automotive industry.

A kind, compassionate, and principled man, Marvin embraced life, and cherished his family and friends. He had a profound love for cars, photography and travel, all of which endured over the years. He was a charismatic and charming man, who led by example and lived his life with exceptional dignity and grace. In recent months, Marvin accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

Marvin’s children, Yolanda and Marvin II, would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to Lergia Vidal for the love, compassion and care she gave to their father throughout his illness.

HARDAGE-GIDDENS TOWN & COUNTRY FUNERAL HOME, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, is serving the family.