Michael Wayne Nelson

Mr. Michael Wayne Nelson, 61, of Blairsville, Ga., formerly of Atlanta, Ga., died Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007 at his home following an extended illness.

Mr. Nelson was born May 3, 1945 in Williston, N.D., the son of Verna Grimstvedt Nelson and the late Merle Wayne Nelson. Michael was known to his friends as "Skip." He had lived in North Dakota, Minnesota, Sweden, Boston and Atlanta. During his trek, he received his BFA in Direction of Music Theater (after, as he says, "Majoring in Dropping Out") and also a FilMag (equivalent to PhD without thesis) while in Sweden. After 28 years of theater and more than 100 productions, he has more than 20 publications "'nuf to qualify me." Mr. Nelson was of the Presbyterian faith.

Surviving Mr. Nelson is his mother, Verna Nelson of Blairsville; cousin, Glenyce Bean of St. Paul, Minn.; several other cousins; many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 at 11 a.m. from the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Ben Lewis officiating. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that memorials may be made to your favorite charity in Mr. Nelson's memory.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome. com.