NELSON LACEY ALVAREZ |

Nelson Lacey Alvarez was born November 10, in Tampa, Florida, to Peter Joaquin Alvarez, Jr.(Pete) and the former Addie Veree Lacey (Addie V).

Nelson's father's parents Peter J Alvarez, Sr. and his wife the former Josefina Rodriguez had immigrated from Cuba to Key West, when Pete was born. They were cigar makers.

His mother's parents John B. Lacey, Jr. and Telitha Elizabeth Lee were living in Perry, Florida when Addie V was born. They were "Florida Crackers" and proud of it.

Nelsons great grandparents on Addie V's side were John B. Lacey, Sr and Joanna Mayberry and Thomas Lee and Addie Wilson.

Pete was a boat builder, who loved the sea. Addie V was a homemaker who made extra money selling various items as Avon, glassware, and herbal products.

Nelson was an only child and much loved by his parents. He was raised in very religious household (Jehovah's Witness) and spent many hours with his family in "service" going door to door to spread the Gospel.

Nelson did very well in school. He excelled in reading and loved books. His favorite author was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He once gave me an old tattered copy of Sherlock Holmes mysteries which I still have. He was in the Drama club in high school and loved Shakespeare. He acted in several school plays. He had a flair for the dramatic and a streak of showmanship.

His dad played the guitar as did his mother's brother A.J. who Nelson dearly loved. His folks played country music and that's what Nelson learned to play, but then he discovered Rock and Roll. His guitar was his constant companion. He was an excellent player of Country, Rock and Classical music. He never went any where with out his guitar strapped to his back. I can never hear the song "Wildwood Flower " without thinking of him.

Nelson had a gift of being able to fit in anywhere with all kinds of people. He could switch from speaking with a southern drawl with his mom's family to speaking spanish with his dad's family to speaking like a Shakespearean actor, or even to speaking with no accent at all.

He was a very fascinating , colorful human being with an excellent sense of humor. He liked to draw cartoons. He had dark hair and flashing dark brown eyes. He had sort of a Desi Arnaz, Jr. look about him. He was short in stature but had a very deep masculine voice. He went by the nickname of "Shorty".

I have never met anyone else like him. He Served in the U.S. Navy. He loved his dogs and his favorite food was lasagna, he was left handed, he loved holidays even though his family didn't observe them. He particularily loved dressing up for Halloween much to his parents chagrin.

He married me, Valerie Kuntz , on September 21, in Coral Gables, Fl. and after living in Jacksonville several months our son John Wesley Alvarez (Wes) was born on May 9, in South Miami. Nelson loved his son even before he was born and for the short time he was able to spend with him afterwards.

I recently found a drawing that Nelson had made among the family memorabilia. It was entitled ,"The Future" and it depicted Nelson and me at the beach with the sun shining and "Little Wes" playing in the sand. Sadly that was not to be. Nelson was killed in a work related accident on September 13. He was 20 years old. He died on Friday the 13th. I think he would have thought that was kind of neat as he did love Halloween and had such a flair for drama.

The day of his funeral was a bright sunny day in South Florida. Just as he was being lowered into the ground, it suddenly clouded up and there was a very brief rain shower. It cleared up with in minutes and was bright and sunny again. I have often wondered if that was Shorty's way of adding a little touch of dramatic atmosphere to the occasion.

He was a cool guy and had much potential. I miss him and often wonder what he would have been like if he had had a chance to grow older. I see his looks and his ways in his son Wesley, and in our two grand daughters Tamela Marie Maxwell, born March 14 ,and Andrea Lorraine Maxwell, born August 29. Wes is an excellent guitar player and Tammy and Andrea play bass and guitar, respectively. His musical talent lives on through them.

Nelson and I spent such a short time together that there is much I do not know. I wish I could write more. I will add more if anything should come to me. These memories are all I have at the moment.

Nelson, I will always keep you in my heart. Thanks for the great kids.

VXA

If Anyone has anything to add, please email me at vxarmstrong@gmail.com

Please visit other family websites at:

http://www.freewebs.com/johnwesleykuntz/index.htm

http://www.freewebs.com/walterdeanmalec/

http://www.freewebs.com/jackblanchardandmistymorgan/index.htm

http://www.freewebs.com/virginiablanchard/index.htm

http://www.freewebs.com/vxafamilyalbum/

http://www.freewebs.com/vxafamilyalbumvolume2/

http://www.freewebs.com/virginiadawnwhite/

http://www.freewebs.com/clairblanchard/index.htm