Raymond Gordon Nelson, Jr. Obituary (1946 - 2021)

Funeral services for Raymond Gordon Nelson Jr. will be broadcast via Facebook Live on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 beginning at 11:00 AM MDT. If viewing this broadcast from a mobile device, the Facebook App is required. If you are viewing this broadcast on a desktop computer, a Facebook account is not required. To watch this service, please click on the link below. Click HERE to view Funeral Services for Raymond Gordon Nelson, Jr. Heaven may not have a new angel, but definitely one hell of a story teller! In the early morning hours of August 26, 2021, Raymond Gordon Nelson Jr., age 74, passed away peacefully with his loving wife at his side. It would seem he was dying to be reunited with his parents, Raymond Gordon Nelson and Rose Evelyn Bayless who welcomed him into the world on October 12, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was married July 21, 1972 to his sweetheart, Kathleen Peterson and later sealed for time and eternity in the Jordan River Temple on September 16, 1983. Together they had 6 children who were raised in a home full of love and laughter! Taking his family on road trips and adventures was when Daddy really shined! His family always came first in his life, followed closely by his many friends. Spending time with those he loved was what he looked forward to and enjoyed the very most. His quick wit, clever comebacks and great sense of humor attracted many people to him. To know Ray was to love Ray! He was a dreamer, endlessly curious and turned everything into an adventure. He told the tallest tales in the most believable ways - you were never sure if he was trying to pull your leg or speaking truth. He found great satisfaction in teaching others and sharing the things he had learned through endless hours of personal study. He was generous with his talents, gifted in his abilities and especially giving of his time. He was a supportive and loving husband and his grandkid’s favorite “Papa”. He taught his family to be self-sufficient and he could fix anything! He enjoyed all things Disney, found fascination in his coveted rock collection, enjoyed long road trips to anywhere, coached girls softball, was a gifted storyteller and a hard worker. He loved teaching silversmithing and jewelry making classes to anyone who listened and if you sat down long enough the conversation would shift into his real passion of geology and rock hounding. He loved his country and proudly served 2 years in the US Army - stationed in Germany. We know NOW that what daddy always told us is true. He is finally feeling "finer than frog's fur." He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his children, Tonya Schaffer (Duane), Raymond Keith Nelson (Tiffany), Michelle Langford (Jefferson), Jennifer Campbell (William), Laura Olson, Camille Kline (Brett); 14 grandchildren and his brother, Kelly Nelson. Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kenneth Nelson and Thomas Nelson, sister-in-law Sandra Nelson and granddaughter Alexandria Nelson. A viewing will be held on Monday, August 30, 2021 from 6-8pm at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary at 4760 S. State Street, Murray, Utah. Funeral services will start at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 31 at the LDS Church at 6300 South 700 West in Murray, Utah. A short viewing will also be held prior to the funeral at 10:00 am. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery.