Spc. Gary L. Nelson III, 20, of Woodstock, Ga., died April 5 in Mosul, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. He attended Woodstock High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army. Gary Lee wanted to continue his education to pursue a Middle School English teaching career and be close to his family he loved so much. Family was an important part of his life. He was Pop Pop's "Grizzlee" and very, very close to his grandparents, his mother's brother, sister, family and "Uncle Dan" – his doppelganger! Gary Lee protected and loved his sister with all his heart! She looked up to him as all her friends did, he was her hero! Music was very important to him .He loved playing the guitar, which he was self taught and could play anything. Gary Lee and "Pop Pop" loved to play their music! He was the most loving person, with the biggest heart and smile, always joking laughing and having fun. He wanted to travel to see places once out of the service and will truly be missed. His grandfather, Gary L Nelson, Sr. preceded him in death and his aunt, Rhonda Nelson-Roth, also preceded him in death. Gary is survived by his loving parents, Gary Lee & Dawn Renee Nelson, Jr.; sister, Kristina Renee Nelson; maternal grandparents, Rene R .& Patricia Atkinson; fraternal grandparents, Nelda & Ron DiDomenico, Sharon Nelson & Doug Martin; aunts & uncles, Debbie Atkinson & Mark Liles, Dan Atkinson, Kim Nelson and fiancé Brian Chambers; cousins, Jacob Liles, Travis Scott Coleman, Zachary Nelson, "Cousin Rick" Rick Denoncour, Joe and Brian Harris; numerous other extended family from Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee and New York, as well as his mentor, best friend and Brother in Arms, Sgt. Oliver Dixon.