Glenn Jay Nelson, 86, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma passed away Thursday, June 27th, 2013. He was born on May 17, 1927 in Powell, Wyoming to his parents Hank and Lettie Nelson. Jay attended schools in California and Wyoming and graduated with a high school diploma from Powell High School in May 1945. On graduation day, he was inducted into the army. Jay became interested in flying from a young age. During his career he logged more than 8,500 hours as an agricultural pilot, bush pilot, flight instructor, corporate pilot, ferry pilot and charter pilot. He was also an aviation instructor and enjoyed a 28-year career at the Federal Aviation Administration as both an instructor and accident prevention specialist. In September of 2001 he was inducted into the Oklahoma Aviation Hall of Fame and considered the award the highlight of his career. Jay married Barbara Jane Nelson (Gray) on February 14, 1955 in Billings, Montana. They were married for 51 years. He is survived in his death by his son, Richard Nelson and his wife, Kristin; his two granddaughters, Jackie TeBeest and Kelley Nelson-Strouts; his sister Leatha Hanson and her husband Ron; his brother Ray Nelson and his wife Sherri; and many relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Lettie Nelson and his wife, Barbara Nelson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the American Stroke Assocation at www.strokeassociation.org. The funeral services were held on Sunday, June 30th at 1:00 p.m. at the Vondel L. Smith & Son funeral home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.