David Allen Nelson

David Allen Nelson, 82, of Orange Park, Florida passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. He was born February 2, 1934 to parents Wilbur and Dorothea (Hasemeier) Nelson and raised in Ohio before settling in Orange Park in 1973. Dave was a tireless champion for equality for women in sports. He supported and actively lobbied for Title IX and was out in front of the effort to get fast pitch softball included in high school athletics in Florida. Dave founded Team Jax (the first fast pitch travel softball program in North Florida) prior to that occurring, so that promising softball players in Jacksonville could develop the skills required for college scholarships. He coached his daughter Cheri’s little league team from OPAA to a Little League World Series Championship in 1983. He also led Team Jax to a National Softball Association World Series Championship in 1995. Dave coached all over the state including high school and college stints at St. Johns Country Day, Stetson University, University of North Florida, Mandarin High School and Arlington Country Day. Dave is predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife, Nanette Woodworth Nelson; son, Philip David Nelson (Kirsten); daughters, Pamela Little (Tom) and Cheri Gildea (John); sister, Ann McDonald and grandchildren, Jeff Little (Sarah), Angela Little, Kylie and Evie Nelson and Hannah Gildea. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Advent Lutheran Church 2156 Loch Rane Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund http://www.curealz.org  Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 284-4000