On Sunday, January 17, 2021, Donnie Nettles, 76, devoted husband and father of two, passed away with his family by his side.

Donnie was born on June 24, 1944 in Ft. Pierce, FL to Ray and Priscilla (Arnold) Nettles. He honorably served our nation as an E4 mechanic in the United States Army. His 44-year career in the aircraft industry began as a tool and die maker and continued as a manufacturing engineer for Northrop Grumman, living first in Ohio then returning to his home state of Florida. In Ohio, he married his soulmate Elizabeth (Meier) Nettles, and together they raised two children, daughter Suzanne and son William.

Donnie had many passions and sought to master them all. He held an avid interest in airplanes and could name them all as they flew overhead. Beekeeping, woodworking, bowling, hunting, and horseshoe pitching were all interests that were explored. You could often find him working on a cross stitch creation while reclined in front of the television.

His lifelong endeavor, however, was winemaking. Starting with a bumper crop of Concord grapes, his journey with wine led him to perfect his winemaking skills and share his knowledge with others. Through formation of the Space Coast Wine Guild in 2001, he and Elizabeth connected with countless wine enthusiasts and friends who shared their interest. Donnie was also a member of the Florida Wine and Grape Growers Association and the American Wine Society, where he most recently earned a Best of Show for his signature Lime Wine. Always willing to share a bottle, he will be missed most for his ability to make everyone feel at home in his presence.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Priscilla, and by brothers Ray Vernon and Emmett Nettles, and sisters Hazel Blount, Shirley Madden, and Patricia Jenkins. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty, son Bill Nettles, and daughter Suzanne (Tim) Taber, granddaughters Ana and Lilian Taber, and siblings Carrie McGraw, Mabel Hudmon, Willis Nettles, Herman Nettles, and Debbie Parsons along with a multitude of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church at 106 N. Riverside Dr. in Indialantic, FL. Masks are required.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

Hospice of Health First

(memo: in memory of Donnie Nettles)

1350 S. Hickory St.

Melbourne, FL 32901.

Donnie will lie in rest at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL.