Joseph "Joey" Michael Nelson

Mr. Joseph Michael “Joey” Nelson went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 12, 2026, at Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was 52 years old.

Joey was born on August 2, 1973, at Walton Regional Hospital in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, to Jacob Edward “Ed” Nelson and Jo-Ann Carnley Nelson.

A lifelong resident of Walton County, Joey attended school in DeFuniak Springs and graduated in 1991. Throughout his life, he worked in a variety of occupations. He served with the City of DeFuniak Springs Street Department, volunteered with the City’s Fire Department, served as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and was part-owner and operator of a local print publication and media company. Eventually, Joey found his calling as an HVAC technician, dedicating himself to mastering his trade and earning his State-Certified HVAC Contractor’s License through years of hard work and study.

As his health declined due to heart disease, Joey was eventually forced into retirement. Even then, he continued helping neighbors, friends, and anyone in need with odd jobs and home projects until his health no longer allowed him to do so. Joey never met a stranger. He loved people deeply, even those who had wronged him. In recent years especially, his love for others became one of his defining characteristics. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Kim Wennerberg, Ron Brannon, Kenny Reynolds, John Hinson, Amanda Bell, Kim Kirby, and the many others who faithfully returned Joey’s love during his difficult journey.

Above all else, Joey loved his children. He was especially proud of being the primary caregiver for his two youngest children, Adriyanna and Marvin; faithfully raising them as a devoted single father throughout most of their lives.

Joey was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; his beloved Aunt Judy Carnley Kilpatrick; his uncles, Cody Nelson and Wayne Carnley; and his oldest brother, Ray Nelson, who preceded him in death just nine months earlier.

He is survived by his children, Ethan Nelson (Abby), Elijah Nelson, Kaleb Nelson, Nathan Nelson, Adriyanna Nelson, and Marvin Nelson; his older brother Keith Nelson and his younger brother Eddie Nelson (Jennifer) - both of whom he maintained a close bond with throughout the years; his beloved adopted mom, Patricia Scott (“Nana”); his Aunt Wanda Nelson Hair; his Uncle Ervin Carnley; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives he touched.

Joey was a member of Baldwin Avenue Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, where he enjoyed a close and lasting friendship with his pastor, Rev. Wilbur Williams. His faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life and remained steadfast through every season. Joey also loved time in worship with the congregation at Solid Rock Church.

A service to celebration Joey’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at McDonald Family Funeral Home, with Rev. Wilbur Williams and Rev. Tim Morrison officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a time of fellowship at Baldwin Avenue Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. In accordance with the family’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held at a later date, where Joey will be laid to rest beside his beloved parents and other cherished family members at Sandy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…” — 2 Timothy 4:7–8