Glen William Nelson, 72, died on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. A private graveside
service will be held on Thursday, July 30 at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. Rev. Dale Cohen of
First United Methodist Church in Florence will perform the service, with special music by Kimi
Samson. Elkins Funeral Home in Florence is assisting the family.
Glen, or “Ghee” as he was called by his grandchildren, was in every way a good man. He never
met a stranger, although they all received the same reply when they asked how he was: “Tired,
overworked, and underpaid. But still handsome and charming.” This was actually a fairly
accurate statement. Although he never seemed tired, he worked himself to the bone — almost
always for the benefit of others. Throughout his life he unfailingly demonstrated the work ethic
he cultivated growing up on a Wisconsin farm with six siblings and working in manufacturing for
four decades.
Glen offered us everything and anything he could give, from financial advice to physical labor to
garden tools. He loved providing organized, efficient, and long-lasting solutions, and he was
always our go-to guy when we wanted sound, practical guidance. He had a brilliant mind and a
generous heart, and was one of the strongest and kindest people you’d ever meet. He was
always there for us, even when we didn’t even know we needed him, and he was someone you
always wanted in your corner. He loved fully, cared deeply, and protected fiercely. Glen’s
sudden absence leaves us stunned, lost, and incredibly heartbroken; we’ll even miss his corny
jokes and his northern accent.
Glen leaves a loyal and loving family to mourn his loss, including his wife, Debby Nelson;
daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Chad Roberson; stepson and step-daughter-in-law Doug
and Patricia Hartley; grandchildren Bailey, Bentlee, Bella, and Mac Roberson and Jessica and
Jamie Hartley; father- and mother-in-law Roy and Sybil Stevens; sister Lois Krinke; brothers
Walter (Junior), Greg, Herb, and Ed Nelson; family friends Todd, Lisa and Emma Grace
Thompson; and an ever-changing pack of rescue dogs.
Glen would be honored by your tributes to Chloe’s Fund in his memory. He and Debby
established Chloe’s Fund to subsidize emergency medical expenses for the rescue animals
they worked tirelessly side-by-side to save. Please visit friendsofflas@gmail.com to donate via
Paypal or mail checks to Friends of FLAS (memo “Chloe’s Fund”), 3240 Roberson Road,
Florence, AL 35630.
