Rodney Nelson

Rodney Dale Nelson, 62 of Key Largo, passed away at his residence on April 09, 2020. He was born in Miami FL, November 25, 1957,  to parents Harold and Myrna Nelson. Rodney had many titles; father, brother, uncle, friend, artist, but the one he loved most was Ampa.  That is what his grandkids called him.  They were the light of his life.  He was a very talented artist, whether it was airbrushing, oil paints, or glass etching.  A lot of his work can be seen in Ocean Reef and if you have ever eaten at Buzzards Roost you have probably sat at a table he painted.  You can see the mural he did behind the original Mrs.Macs's Kitchen, make sure you look for the hidden things in the sky and in the sea, as he was famous for this. His artwork is also featured on the front of Mangrove Mike's Cafe as well as the famous diving skull that is the logo on Mangrove Mike's T-shirts.  He also did a small mural inside Num Thai.  One of his most recent projects he completed was the Upper Keys Treasure Map,  showing the many businesses and their cartoon-head owners along  the Overseas Highway. He was always willing to help with charity work and would at times go to the local school and do face painting for the kids.  He also painted a mural in a wing at the Childrens Hospital of Miami.  His memory will live on in all his artwork throughout the Floriday Keys.

Rodney is survived by his daughter;  Courtney Dale Nelson, sisters; Tammy Brown and Judy Smith,  his grandchildren; Gracelyn Adell Cummings, Logan Dale Cummings and Hailey Elizabeth Valentino,  as well as a host of many other relatives and friends.

Due to social distancing and COVID-19 we are postponing any services until further notice.  We will post plans on his Facebook page.

Please feel free to leave your memories and photos of Rodneys artwork  on this tribute wall and  his  Facebook page.