Jl Nations, Jr.

John Lyman Nations, Jr (JL) was born December 12, 1924 in Kennett, Missouri. He was called home, April 8, 2023. He was a member of the Church of Christ and he wanted to make sure his children, grandchildren, and everyone in his life, knew God’s word. JL was born to Lyman and Gertrude Walls Nations along with two sisters and one brother. JL served in the US Navy during World War II on USS Arethusa to help keep our country free. After the war was over, he spent two years working in California. JL then returned to Kennett, Missouri and met his wife and life partner, Wanda Goldsmith in 1947. JL and Wanda married on February 7, 1948 and created a beautiful life together. They became Christians and were baptized into Christ in December 1950. JL has lived his life as the bible teaches and spread the gospel as long as his health would allow. They recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. JL and Wanda went on to create a large, loving family that is a testament to their commitment to one another and their giving nature. JL’s legacy will continue to live on with his family. JL and Wanda had 6 children, Dennie Eric, Sheila, Joe Lang, Timothy, April, Jimmy, and Ricky. They went on to take responsibility for 2 of their grandchildren later in life and played a large part in raising many more of their grandchildren as well. Their family has grown and continues to grow with 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. JL is preceded in death by his parents, Lyman Nations and Gertrude Walls Nations; his sisters, Edith Nations Dees Cromeens and Irene; brother, Gerald Nations; and one infant son, Dennie Eric Nations. Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. The graveside service with military honors will follow at Rolling Hills Cemetery in Winter Haven.