By Alabama Public Radio
Florence, AL – State Representative Nelson Starkey of Florence died Thursday after an extended illness. He was 76 years old. Starkey was one of the legislature's longest-serving members. He was first elected in 1978. According to the state legislature's web site, Starkey earned a degree from the University of North Alabama and took graduate classes in history and political science at Mississippi State University. He was also a retired Naval Aviator who served on the Board of Directors for Florence Hospital.