Jesse T. Nettles

August 29^th, 1952 • September 30^th, 2025

Jesse T. Nettles

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A good name is better than precious oil; and the day of death, than the day of one’s birth. - Ecclesiastes 7:1

Obituary

Jesse Thomas Nettles, III, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by his family after a life defined by love, integrity, and service.

Born the eldest of six children, Jesse carried that role with strength, compassion, and responsibility throughout his life. He met and married the love of his life, Mary Lynn, with whom he shared 52 years of unwavering devotion. Together they built a family rooted in love and faith, raising four children—Aimee, Amanda, Rachel, and Jesse—and welcoming eight cherished grandchildren: Bailey, Wyatt, Morgan, Ana, Ellie, Austin, River, and Linen.

Jesse found joy in the beauty of creation. He loved being outdoors—surfing, cycling, and soaking in the peace of nature. Yet even more than these pursuits, his greatest joy came from being with his family and serving others. Known for his generosity and kindness, Jesse gave freely of his time and heart, always quick to help anyone in need.

A man of deep faith, Jesse remained loyal to Jehovah, his God, throughout his life. He drew strength from his hope for the future and was determined to continue teaching others about that hope for as long as he could. Even in his final days, he showed gratitude and kindness to every nurse and caregiver, thanking them sincerely for their efforts. His final thoughts were not of himself but of those he loved—holding hands with his family, ensuring Mary Lynn was safe, and reminding his children of his enduring love.

Jesse will be remembered as a caring father, a devoted husband, a loyal brother, and a man of faith and integrity. He was greatly loved, and his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.

Timeline

1952

Born

Norfolk Virginia

1954

Raised in Miami

1970

Moved to Southern California

Long Beach California

1973

Married Mary Lynn Shaffer

Azusa California

1974

Aimee Born

Azusa California

1977

Mandy Born

Azusa California

1979

Moved to Mississippi

Oxford Mississippi

1979

Rachel Born

Oxford Mississippi

1980

Baptized

Oxford Mississippi

1982

Jesse Born

Oxford Mississippi

1984

Moved back to West Coast

Southern California > Seattle Washington > San Fransisco California

1994

Moved to South Carolina

Lancaster South Carolina

2006

Became a Grandfather

Seven more grandchildren born between 2006 & 2018

2015

Moved to Florida

North Fort Myers Florida

2016

Became a Full Time Preaching Volunteer

Also enjoyed traveling, bike riding, and visiting kids and grandkids.

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Post your condolences or share your Memories.

October 3, 2025

My deepest condolences go out to Jesse’s family and the Orange Grove Congregation. I met Jesse there when visiting the Hobsons. What a loving and kind brother! I’ll never forget him and I look forward to seeing him in Paradise 💛

Melissa Waters

October 2, 2025

Sept 1,2022 Breaktime at Micky Ds. We were getting back to a routine of door-to-door after the pandemic.

Sherry Ferrari

October 2, 2025

Thank you Mama-lynn and Papa Nettles <3 you thought you were both finished raising kids, then you got more and just kept us going with Jehovah joyfully. Thank you for planting seeds of truth in our hearts and keeping us motivated in our service. We love you so much and look forward to all of us being together again in the new world.

Alexandra Castro

October 1, 2025

Jesse was a very good friend, he was more like my big brother, Jesse was there for me in my time of need and always tried to help others in the congregation and even when we biked together he would stop and help others.. last year Jesse stopped to help a couple fix a tire only to find out 15 minutes later they were fellow witnesses. I will miss him greatly , miss our time in the ministry, miss our time biking and boating. I truly long for the day when he wakes in the new world when all things are new as our creator Jehovah God intended.

Jack Tho

October 1, 2025

We will miss Jesse very much always seeing him in the ministry and at the Kingdom Hall. A faithful & loyal brother. Can’t wait to see him again very soon. Our sincere condolences to the entire family. May Jehovah’s spirit be with you all, especially Mary Lynn.🫶

Dan & Jackie Castro

October 1, 2025

Jesse and Mary lynn set a beautiful example of warm love and hospitality to everyone that was in their company. They sold me my first pioneer car at reduced pioneer rates over forty years ago. They loved supporting the full time ministry as can be seen with their family. And when Jim and I were getting married, they can back to Mississippi to help with wedding preparations. Stepping in, doing whatever was needed to make our day even more special.
Although we are sad to hear he died, We look forward to seeing Jesse soon in paradise.

James and Shirley Roberson

October 1, 2025

Road bikes many times with Jesse always had a good time!

Stacy Staggs

October 1, 2025

We will deeply miss our brother, friend, and biking partner Jesse. He truly loved Jehovah and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Lynn and the family.

Stacy & Cheryl Staggs

October 1, 2025

Loved working with Jess in early morning witnessing. The group had many good experiences. We will all miss him greatly. Our prayers are with your family while we wait for his nap time to be over.

kim galarza