Garnett Gerald Nelson, known in the community as Jerry, was born on November 29, 1931 in Bristol Virginia where he lived until 1943 when he moved to Eureka. He passed away at 89 surrounded by family on May 10, 2021 in Eureka.

As the founder of California Real Estate, Jerry was a pillar in the community, and he dedicated his life to helping people buy and sell homes for over forty-five years. Over the course of his career, he got in the habit of passing out pens as advertisement. He got such joy out of giving away pens that he started doing it anywhere he could and soon became known as the pen man.

Jerry was an active member of Eureka The Pentecostal Church where he embraced God with a childlike faith. His love for God was matched only by his love for his family. Jerry’s kind spirit touched the lives of many, and it is that kindness that will be remembered most.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Garnet Lee Nelson, his mother, Ethel Batchelder, and his sister Jane L. Smith.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Jovina Nelson; sons Gary Nelson and Larry Nelson; sister, Pat Paul; stepchildren Brice, Kelly, Cristie, Jeffrey, Yvonne, and Aaron; eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Eureka The Pentecostal Church (1060 Hoover St.), on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11 a.m. Due to capacity restrictions, those wishing to attend the memorial are asked to register at this link. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.  

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jerry Nelson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.