Randal Brannen Nelson

Randal (Randy) Brannen Nelson, 61, of Jacksonville, FL, died May 13, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital, with his family by his side. He is survived by his son Jeremy Nelson & spouse Alexis Nelson, his daughter Rachel Couper & spouse Eric Couper, grandchildren Leo, Maike, & Wyatt, as well as siblings Lana Memory & Steve Nelson and his companion Patricia Trout. He was preceded in death by brother Miles “Butch” Nelson.

Though he lived throughout the United States, Randy was a true son of Jacksonville, born and raised in the Arlington neighborhood. The youngest child of the late Miles and Louise Nelson (née Brannen), Randy joined the US Air Force after graduating from Terry Parker High School. He graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. Randy loved baseball, road trips, and adventuring in national parks.

Having always been a talented artist, Randy founded several sign and graphic art companies across the country. His work can be found on Little League fields, racecars, and the US Navy Blue Angels. Randy summed himself up as “a great fisherman, a good father, a decent husband.” He was exceptionally proud of the two children he raised alongside Valerie Heberle (née Gunn) and was known to his grandchildren as Papa Fish. He bequeathed to his daughter great land navigation abilities; to his son, a love of mustard-based barbeque sauce.

A visitation celebrating Randy’s life will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, on Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 8:30-9:30 AM ET, followed by burial at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, at 10:30 AM. For those unable to join the celebration in-person, an opportunity to join remotely is at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86057605390?pwd=dzhRaFlyWXh0Y1k1S3VOSmdOdHBSQT09 (if needed, passcode is 386712).

In lieu of flowers, please hold a loved one closely or donate to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Nelson family.