John Fontaine Nevels, age 81, died peacefully surrounded by his family on September 21, 2023, at the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, TN after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Gordon Nevels, Jr., his mother, Claire Fontaine Nevels, and his stepmother, Aud Lund Nevels. He was best known for his wicked sense of humor and his devotion to his beloved wife, Jenny, and to his family and friends. He was also known for his love of a good party, and especially enjoyed celebrating the holidays with those he loved.
John was born and raised in Memphis, TN, where he graduated from East High School in 1959. He began his career in Memphis, at the age of 19, washing dishes for Holiday Inn, but his career in the hospitality industry would take him elsewhere. He did two stints at the Holiday Inn in Tyler, TX, where he would become the youngest General Manager (GM) in the hotel chain at one point in time. He would later move and work for Holiday Inn properties in San Bernardino, CA; Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI. Between these stops were intermittent returns to his hometown. He would later remark that his favorite assignment was serving as the GM of the old Rivermont Hotel in downtown Memphis. He considered it a great privilege to have known Kemmons Wilson, Sr., founder of Holiday Inn.
John always seemed to find his way back home to Memphis. After additional time working with other hotel companies, he became the owner of Boondock’s Liquor Store on Summer Avenue. This was followed by careers in sales and later selling real estate, which he did until his retirement. He always said how much he enjoyed engaging with people, and ultimately the many facets of his career were a reflection of that enjoyment.
Beyond work, John loved playing golf and watching SEC football. His other passion was spending time with his wife, Jenny, and his family. He also enjoyed traveling. His favorite destinations included a trip to the Western United States in 2017, as well as occasional trips to Mexico. In later years, his great joy was reconnecting with his Fontaine cousins from his mother’s side of the family. He was involved in bringing the family together for its first reunion in many years. They were a great source of strength and support during his illness.
John leaves behind a host of loving family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Jenny, his brother Gordon Nevels (Vicki), his children Connie Nevels and Natalie Harmeier (Tom); his stepchildren Kate Prascher Cavanaugh (Marcus) and Will Prascher (Ann); his grandchildren Liz King (Justin), Thomas Harmeier, John Harmeier (Maddie), Paul Harmeier, Sarah Claire Harmeier and Virginia Prascher who brought such life and love to his final days.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff of the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House for their patience, kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief, c/o of Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation, 350 North Humphreys Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38120. Memphis Funeral Home Poplar has charge of the arrangements.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Nevels family.
