Terry Chase Nelson, Sr.

Terry Chase Nelson, Sr. passed away in Tallahassee, FL on July 29, 2026, at the age of 85. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Terry graduated from Leon High School in 1959. Terry began his career as a carpenter and went on to enjoy a long career as a builder and developer, helping to shape some of Tallahassee’s notable residential communities, including Woodgate, Eastgate, Breckenridge on Park, Rose Hollow, Chase’s Ridge, Maclay Hammock, and many homes in Betton Hills and Killearn. He took great pride in his relationships with his fellow contractors and tradesmen and the successes of those he mentored. Passionate about being outdoors, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and took many trips around the world with friends and his sons in pursuit of sporting adventures. Terry was a lifelong animal lover. Later in life, he put down the fishing rods and guns and turned his attention to helping animals of all kinds. He found joy in feeding cats, birds and any other animals in need. He loved all animals, was a staunch supporter of animals and animal welfare organizations, including SGI Cat Allies, Inc in Apalachicola. His happy place was on the water, early on at St Teresa, where he taught so many kids to ski, and later in Apalachicola. He was also active in the church, serving as Jr Warden at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tallahassee and later as Jr Warden at Trinity Episcopal Church in Apalachicola. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur Leon and Ida Swatts Nelson. He is survived by his wife Ginger Nelson, sister Gayle Nelson, his two sons Terry Chase Nelson Jr. (Lynn) and Todd Andrew Nelson (Jolee), Gail Wray, his former wife and the mother of his children, and many dear friends from every walk of life. Services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on August 10 at 2:00 pm. The services are open to all. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SGI Cat Allies, P O Box 903, Apalachicola, FL 32329 or Trinity Episcopal Church, P O Box 667, Apalachicola, FL 32329. A celebration of life will follow at a later date in Apalachicola. Rocky Bevis and Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Nelson family with their arrangements.

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Terry Chase Nelson, Sr.

June 17, 1941 - July 29, 2026