Earl "Ed" Nelson

Ed's life began as dramatically as any of the tales he would later tell — born on October 11, 1944 in Grays, Essex, England during an air raid in World War II, to Peg and Jack Nelson. His father Jack, an American soldier, had met Peg while serving overseas, and the young family soon made their way to the United States. Ed was raised in Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he would lay down his roots and, in time, meet the love of his life, Carol.

A career in quality control took Ed far beyond Ohio's borders. He traveled extensively across the United States and around the world — to Malaysia, Singapore, Liberia, and beyond — relocating with Carol over the years to Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida. He eventually founded his own consulting firm, helping companies navigate ISO 9000 certification. But no matter where work took him, he brought curiosity, competence, and no shortage of good stories.

And stories were Ed's true calling. His love of spinning a tall tale blossomed into a second career as a prolific and successful author. He published 28 books, including the beloved Richard Jackson Saga series and his most recent Cast in Time series, earning a loyal following of devoted readers. True to his nature, Ed was actively working on his next book at the time of his injury — the pen never far from his hand.

When he wasn't writing, Ed could be found with a book of his own, on the golf course, or plotting his next move over a chess board. He gave generously of his time, volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America and, most recently, the Anna Marie Island Privateers — where he embraced the full pirate experience, talking the talk and riding the float in the Gasparilla Parade with characteristic enthusiasm.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Peg Nelson, and his brother Paul. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carol Nelson (Bowsher); his sister Janet Rupert of Columbus, Ohio; his children Tony Nelson (Beth) of Salisbury, Maryland, Karen Klima (Steve Klima) of Edwardsburg, Michigan, and Michael Nelson (Linda Nelson) of Largo, Florida; eight grandchildren, Jim, Aaron, Chris, Emily, Abigail, David, Hope, and Matthew; and five great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Isla, Emilia, Maxwell, and Soléne.

Ed Nelson lived a life that spanned continents, careers, and countless chapters — both on the page and off. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’ Association: https://www.alz.org/

A visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774, US, on July 7, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.