Nelson Louis Ryman passed away Friday, September 30, 2022 with his wife Dottie by his side, telling his last dad joke at 83.
Born in Goshen Indiana on March 23, 1939, Nelson moved to Zephyrhills in 1970 to raise his family. He retired in 2000 after working in the mobile home industry for more than 50 years.
Nelson loved this community. He was a staple at the Friday Night Lights of the Zephyrhills Bulldogs for countless years. He was an active member of the Daybreak Rotary, a committed member of the morning “scratch” breakfast club and willing to lend a hand to anyone in
need.
Nelson spent two decades in-service to the children and community of Simonette, Haiti and survived the Hurricane of 2010 while doing his mission work there.
To many, he was Mr. Ryman, Nelson or Dad but his favorite title and role was almost certainly that of “Poppi” to his eighteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it was teaching them to swim or telling corny jokes. Indeed, he left three generations of children wondering if they were the dumb kid in the smart class or the smart kid in the dumb class! Like everything else in life, Nelson gave his all to the job of grandfather.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Barbara, the mother of his two sons, his mother and father, Louise and Nelson Charles and his brother Gary. After Barb’s death he married Dottie to whom he devoted the last 32 years of his life. Nelson and Dottie were members of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Zephyrhills for just as long.
Nelson is survived by his wife Dottie; children; Kevin (Tammy L.), Kerry (Tammy K), Angela and Cynthia, and his beloved grandchildren; Kelli (Michael), Chad (Megan), Christian (Tiffany), Kyle, Devin, Julian and Kaden, and his great grandchildren; Max, Tegan, Tenley, Elijah, Zarek, Kason, Kierslyn, and Peyton, his sister; Gale, his brothers; Lyle and Mike. His many nieces and nephews and a community of friends.
Traditional Memorial Service For Nelson Ryman, Monday, Oct. 10 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 5855 16th St., Zephyrhills.
Facebook Live Link: https://www.facebook.com/St-Elizabeth-Episcopal-Church-Zephyrhills-Florida-101018511559133.
Additionally, Celebration of Life, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. led by: Christian Ryman at Whitfield Funeral Home, 5008 Gall Blvd. Zephyrhills. A time to see old friends, share memories and tell tall-tales. A very-Nelson-sort-of-get-together
In lieu of flowers, Nelson requested donations be made to: Daybreak Rotary or Haiti Fund (checks made out to Dottie w/ notation) or St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church. Always the fundraiser!