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BORN
1948
DIED
2023
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Russell Nelson Obituary
June 30, 1948 - July 30, 2023
Russell E. Nelson, 75, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023. He was born in Radford, Va., on June 30, 1948, and was the son of the late Roy Staples and Ruby Alice Nelson.
Mr. Nelson was a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in 1966. He was a member of the Roanoke City Police Department for many years. He then joined the family business of Lowe & Nelson for several decades.
Mr. Nelson was incredibly active throughout his life including enduro racing and trials competitions, multiple outdoor activities, coaching sports, and scouting.
He is survived by his daughters, Laurie Lester and Elizabeth Kolnok; son, Michael Nelson; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jane Nelson; and nieces, Tracey Gardner and Candice Liu.
Visitation will be held at Oakey's South Chapel from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy by visiting www.appalachiantrail.org. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.Oakeys.com.
Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service – South Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Nelson
Sponsored by Oakey’s South Chapel.
3 Entries
Donald Buckley
August 4, 2023
Russell was a great friend from Elementary through High School. There were 5 of us who ran together and had many wonderful adventures. Will never forget the time he got me to follow him up an old rock quarry wall, where he made it and the fire department had to come to rescue me about 20 ft up. When I think of my time growing up in Roanoke, I would be hard-pressed not to think of Russell. The time we sat through Goldfinger at the American 4 times or even crawled through a small tunnel in the New River Cave. My last memory of Russell was catching him on his Police motorcycle down at the Park under the Wasena Bridge. This was back in the early 70ies. It was great to catch up with him. RIP Russell, and thanks for being a great friend to me all those many years ago.
Lisa Jacobson
August 3, 2023
One of the best! May Russell's memory be for a blessing.
Mark Vitello, Sr
August 1, 2023
Your father was a great man, a very important Scout, and a great friend and mentor to many. The Vitellos all send their condolences and pray for you all.
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