Nelson Lee Aters

Aters, Nelson Lee 85, died Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at Coquina Key Health and Rehabilitation Center of complications from dementia and diabetes. Mr. Aters was born in Washington, DC and moved to St. Petersburg in 1947. He graduated from McKinley High School and briefly attended American University, both in Washington, DC. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. Mr. Aters retired in 1978 after 28 years of service with the St. Petersburg Fire Department. He worked part-time in retirement for several years at Scotty's and Hardin Construction. He was a Protestant. Survivors include his beloved wife of 58 years, Jeanne Ruth McAffry Aters, his children, Lynda A. Towery Earl, Bradenton, FL, Nancy L. Daugherty Daniel, Jack M. Aters, and Patrick M. Aters, all of St. Petersburg, a grandson, Christopher M. Towery, Jacksonville, FL, a sister, Helen Moon, Washington DC, and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Aters was a loving husband and devoted father. His love of tennis was legend. He was a 50-year member at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center formerly Bartlett Park Tennis Center and had the good fortune to see two U.S. Open Tennis tournaments, as well as one Wimbledon tennis tournament all with his daughter Nancy. He was also an avid reader devouring as many as five books a week until macular degeneration took away both his reading and tennis pleasures at age 81. His family will miss joining him at his favorite local eating haunts: Hot cakes, chili, or a cheeseburger at Munch's Restaurant or a 'Nelson Dog' at Coney Island Hot Dogs. Mr. Aters was preceded in death by his brother, Walter E. Aters, Jr., his mother, Addie Marguerite Garratt Aters, and his father, Walter Everett Aters. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 2:00pm, followed by a memorial service at 3:00pm. His ashes will be interred at a later date at Bay Pines National Cemetery in a private family service. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers are made to the Tennis Foundation of St. Petersburg, c/o St. Petersburg Tennis Center, 650 - 18th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705, or the Alzheimer's Association Gulf Coast Chapter, 9365 U.S. Highway 19 North, Ste. B, Pinellas Park, FL 33782.