Christopher Miles Nelson

Christopher Miles Nelson, or Chris was born November 12, 1964 in Savannah, GA. Chris passed away far too early on July 12, 2017 in Ft. Pierce, FL.

Chris was a born in Savannah, GA, but grew up primarily in Tampa, FL with his parents Edwin (Pete) and Carol Nelson, and 2 sisters Kathy and Wendy.

As a child, Chris was always an avid fisherman, but played baseball and liked to bowl. He graduated from Jesuit High School in Tampa, FL class of 1982. Right after High School, Chris served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 to 1987, as a Power Plant Mechanic where he spent time in Okinawa, Japan and Subic Bay, Philippines. He began many of his civic contributions in the Marine Corp, where he received many Letters of Appreciation for Commendable Performance from Commanding Officers recognizing his work to help local charities.

After leaving the Marine Corps he graduated from the National Aviation Academy School of Aeronautics studying Aviation Maintenance Technician Course for Airframe and Powerplant. Then began his career at Sikorsky Aircraft as an Airframe Mechanic which is what led him to Port St. Lucie in 1988. He then went on to receive his Associate of Science degree of Aviation Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 1989. While working at Sikorsky, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, where he served as a Machinery Technician and 3rd Class Petty Officer. Then he was a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer with the United States Coast Guard until 2013.

In 1996, Chris started the Ft. Pierce Office of Nelson Benefits Group the business his father began in 1989. As the Vice President of Nelson Benefits Group, he worked with many companies in the Ft. Pierce area and was a very active member of the St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce. Chris was a St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce Ambassador for many years claiming the honor of many Ambassador of the Month Awards, and the Ambassador of the Year in 1997. He continued working with his father and sister Kathy at Nelson Benefits Group until his death.

Chris became a Member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, Lodge 1520 in Ft. Pierce, in 1999 where he was honored with Elk of the month awards and Elk of the Year award for his numerous contributions.

Chris was an avid fisherman, and loved to fish since he was a boy. He got his Captain’s license and became Captain Chris and took people where the fish were! Everything Chris did, he put his entire self into and excelled at, from fishing, golf, bowling, jai alai, acting and directing small theatre productions, running and supporting charity events, running his insurance broker practice, being an Elk, home decorating, and baking his famous banana bread!

Chris is survived by his family: parents Edwin (Pete) and Carol Nelson, sister Kathy Evans, her husband Reid Evans and son Bradley Evans, and sister Wendy Prasad, her husband Lomesh Prasad and children Shennah, Pryia, Zander and Anya Prasad. And, all his friends, with special mention of thanks to Mr. Kenny Castle who was on this journey with our family and Ms. Rhonda Hamm Kelly for being his best friend when he needed it most.

Please join us for the Celebration of Chris’s Life on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 from 5pm to 9pm at:
Fort Pierce Elks Lodge #1520
608 S 5th Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34950

If you would like to make a donation in Chris Nelson’s memory, we suggest the Florida Elks Youth Camp at: http://www.floridaelks.org/enriching-the-lives-of-children or donate to the Fort Pierce Elks Lodge #1520.