Nelson R. Cherry

1943 - 2016

Nelson Raymond Cherry, age 73, of Kernersville, N.C., passed away Thursday, June 9, 2016, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House in Winston Salem, N.C. Nelson was born Feb. 4, 1943, in McKeesport, to the late Charles R. Cherry and Mae Olsen Cherry. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Ann McFarland; and his stepmother, Louise Kearney Cherry. Nelson graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. He worked for Ford Motor Co. as director of labor relations and later Continental Airlines, where he retired after 17 years of service. He loved skiing in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, fishing in the Arkansas River, reading and watching NASCAR Sunday afternoons. He was an avid environmentalist and worked hard to preserve the planet for future generations. He was a loving husband, son, stepfather and grandfather, and was the quintessential gentleman. Survivors include his wife, Vera Cherry, of the home; niece, Megan Leigh Boude, of Centennial, Colo.; great-niece, Kelsey Boude; stepdaughter, Justine Bradley and husband, Tim, of Marion, Va.; stepson, Jason Finney and wife, Kate, of Woodlyn; granddaughters, Kenedy Bradley and Rowan Bradley; and his beloved dog, Lincoln.
Private family visitation and prayer service will be held Sunday, June 12, 2016, from the BRADLEY'S FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, with Pastor Steve Hutton officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley's Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the family.