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Raymond loved fishing, fresh air, and spending time with the people he cherished.

Raymond Leon Nelson was born on February 12, 1951, to Juanita Branch and William Nelson Jr. He entered eternal rest on October 1, 2026, at 2:30 PM.

Raymond spent his early years in Gary, Indiana, before moving to Bangor, Michigan, where he met and married Linda Jane Crossno. Their marriage lasted 17 years, and although they eventually went their separate ways, they remained dedicated co‑parents who worked together to raise their five children with love, stability, and unity. Their children, who survive him, are Raymond Leon Nelson Jr., Karla Berniece Chamorro, Carrie Lee Esparza, Tasha Nicole Carr, and Richard Allen Nelson.

Raymond is survived by his brothers John Nelson and Jessie Nelson, and preceded in death by his brother Jerome Nelson. His siblings remained an important part of his life and memories.

A man who found peace in the outdoors, Raymond loved fishing, fresh air, and spending time with the people he cherished. During the last six years of his life, he lived in Holland, Michigan, with his daughter Tasha Carr and son‑in‑law Johnny Carr. During this time, Raymond was lovingly supported by his family, with devoted care that ensured he was comfortable, protected, and surrounded by unwavering love.

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Raymond was lovingly supported by his family, with devoted care that ensured he was comfortable, protected, and surrounded by unwavering love.

He is also survived by three sons‑in‑law of more than 25 years—Carlos Esparza, Solomon Chamorro, and Johnny Carr—each of whom he embraced as true sons, and who in turn considered him a father.

Raymond leaves behind a beautiful legacy carried forward by his grandchildren: Marcus Heard, Linda Meier, Joseph Nelson, Jazzmen Esparza, Carlitos Esparza, Miguel Esparza, Jada Carr, Johnny Carr, Kendrick Carr, and Jessica Wilson, who preceded him in death in 2013 at the age of 19, and is deeply missed by all who loved her.

His great‑grandchildren—Christian Meier, Neveah Meier, Joseph Nelson, Sylas Nelson, Moses Nelson, Harmony Heard, Bella Gonzalez‑Esparza, Santiago Torres‑Esparza, and Malaya Esparza‑Fisher, who passed away on December 23, 2017 and is deeply missed—will grow up hearing stories of the man whose strength, humor, and love shaped their family.

Raymond’s love extended beyond his own children and grandchildren; he left lasting impressions on many whose lives he touched, embracing and guiding those who were not his biological children with the same warmth, protection, and genuine care.

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Raymond leaves behind a beautiful legacy carried forward by his grandchildren.

Raymond’s life was marked by quiet generosity and a humble spirit, with a heart that held room for everyone he loved. His memory will continue to live on in the stories, traditions, and lives of those blessed to know him.