Byron C. Nelson

Obituary for Byron C. Nelson Byron Constantine Nelson was born in Colón, Rep. of Panamá on Wednesday, December 11, 1935, the son of James Nelson and Louise Mulgrave. While his academic education was earned from schools in Colón and Panamá City, Byron’s thirst for knowledge fueled a lifelong pursuit of accomplishments. As a young man, he was employed by Tagaropulos S.A., then as the Office Manager of Lucas (America Latina) S.A. in the Colón Free Zone. Byron and his wife, Alicia Ford, expanded the family with the addition of Danilo (now deceased) and Dalys. Byron parlayed his enjoyment of sports to become a sports writer for his local newspaper and to serve as Secretary of the Colón Boxing Commission. He was also the Secretary of The Jr. Chamber of Commerce. Byron emigrated to the United States in 1967 and held positions in the maritime transportation industry, all while attending The City College of New York. He was driven to succeed. Byron and Claudia Cole married in 1970. Kevin, Daryl and Melinda were produced from that commitment to a love that still burns brightly with ardor, respect and devotion. As the Transportation Manager for Amax, Inc., (NY) subsidiary in Connecticut, Byron traveled extensively to Europe, Africa and the Americas while Claudia kept the beacon of lights burning and together they provided the love and security that nurtured their family. Upon Byron’s eventual retirement, he and Claudia moved to Lauderhill, FL where he rekindled his passion for fishing and golf. His ace (hole-in-one) was the centerpiece of many sports related conversations as was his ability to match his age to a score of 75, which is an achievement of which many golfers dream. Whenever he had a disappointing day on the golf course he could be heard quietly claiming that the more he played golf, the more he loved fishing. Invariably, someone within earshot would reply that he did not need any talent to fish. Somehow, Byron managed to make them both look easy. To some, Byron may have seemed guarded in his disposition. It was simply his way of evaluating the circumstances and consequences of the decisions before him. His search for the meaning of life to himself and to others, as well as his role and place among his fellow man led him to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. In 2005, he recommitted his life to those ideals and devoted himself to being the touchstone with a gentle guiding hand to many around him. Byron Constantine Nelson, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, a teacher, a friend, a man. Left to cherish Byron C. Nelson's memory are his devoted wife, Claudia, of 52 years of marriage, sons Kevin (Joy) and Daryl (Audrey), daughters Dalys (Earnest) and Melinda (Gunther), grandchildren Victor G., Danilo, Jahmaal, Venishka, Destiny, Anthony Justin, Nia, Felicidad, Giovanni and Victor C. Byron is also survived by his sisters Joyce and Marrijorie. Additionally, Byron is survived by great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of enumerable treasured friends. May Byron C. Nelson rest in peace for his life well-lived in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Byron C. Nelson

December 11, 1935 - November 10, 2022