Jody Nelson, 35

After battling with cancer for two years, Jody Nelson, 35, passed away on 27 March at home in Woodbridge, Virginia. He was the husband of Trinity Nelson. They shared 10 wonderful years of marriage together.

Born in Roanoke, Alabama, he was the son of Tommy Nelson and Debbie Denney. He graduated Mellow Valley High School in 1998 and finished 3rd in his class. He signed up for the Marine Corps right after graduation.

Jody graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. He received a Bronze Star for his actions while in Afghanistan in 2010. He successfully completed 16 years of honorable service before being medically retired.

He enjoyed playing basketball, woodworking, spending time with his family, and most of all going to Disneyland. He always put others care before his own first and was never afraid to stand up for his Marines. He was able to brighten anyone’s day by giving one of his charming southern smiles.

He is survived by his spouse, Trinity Nelson; child, Caleb Nelson; mother, Debbie Denney; step-father, Robert Denney; step-brother, Brandon Denney; grandmother, Frances Murray; and grandmother, Emily Denney. He was predeceased by his father, Tommy Nelson; brothers, Thomas Nelson, Jerry Nelson, Ralph Nelson, Raymond Nelson; grandfather, Tommy Nelson; grandmother, Louvinia Nelson; grandfather, Herman Murray; and grandfather, Arland Denney.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, 4 April 2015 at 1300 at Pilgrims Baptist Rest Church, 148 County Road 204, Heflin, Alabama 36264 with interment at the Pilgrims Baptist Rest Church Cemetery. A meal will be available prior to the service at the church.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, 11 April at 1200 at 5135 Davis Ford Road, Woodbridge, Virginia 22192. Please RSVP with Michelle McNutt as soon as possible by calling her at 910-581-5057 or email her at shelbym2181@gmail.com so we can plan accordingly.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of the following organizations:

• Semper Fi Fund: https://semperfifund.org/donate/
• Gary Sinise Foundation: https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org/help_us/donate
• The Jimmy Fund: http://www.jimmyfund.org/ways-to-give/giving/