Edward M. Nelson

Edward M. Nelson, III, 68 years old, passed away on April 16, 2017, at Cleveland Clinic after complications resulting from surgery. He was a resident of Charleston, WV. Edward (Ed) was born in Salem, WV, grew up in Parkersburg, WV, and moved to the Charleston area in 1998. He attended Western Reserve Academy in Ohio, WVU Parkersburg, Vanderbilt University, and WVU School of Pharmacy. He was a pharmacist in Ohio and WV and retained his certifications throughout his retirement. Prior to retiring, he was President of Nelson's Drugs, his family business, located in WV and Ohio. Ed had many interests, but spent the majority of his free time participating in activities that involved competitive shooting and supporting the West Virginia State Rifle and Pistol Association, of which he was District 6 Director. He belonged to the NRA, Fort Harman Rifle Club, Lumberport Rifle and Pistol Club, and various FOPA locations. He eagerly looked forward to his yearly trek to Port Clinton, Ohio, along with fellow members of the West Virginia Pistol team to compete in the National Matches of the Civilian Marksmanship Program. In addition, Ed was a long standing member of the Marietta Shrine Club and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Throughout his life, he was a loyal WVU fan and spent many hours watching games, studying the coaches and players, streaming the Mountaineer Sports Network, and visiting the fans' forums. A very important and enjoyable part of Ed's life was the relationship with his friends at Nautilus in Kanawha City, where he was a member for many years. Some of the happiest times of his life were spent spoiling his grandchildren. He was always willing to let them "break some of the rules." His wisdom and unfailing dedication to his family, made him the person everyone turned to when a problem needed solved. His keen intelligence and unfailing knowledge of so many subjects were a common reference source for everyone around him. His wit and sense of humor could lighten any situation and will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward M. Nelson, Jr. and stepmother, Diedre Nelson; and mother, Huldah (Nelson) Rymer, and stepfather, Dr. Ralph Rymer. He is survived by his wife, Linda Runyan Nelson of Charleston; stepson Jason Creech of New York; stepdaughter Shelli (Matthew) Milazzo and grandchildren Leighton, Brooks, and Emerson Milazzo of Florida. Also, surviving are sister Suanne (Tommy) Schweitzer of Ohio; sister Jane (Tom) Weaver and nephew James Weaver of Michigan; sister Deedee (Andy) Hulett, and nieces Maddy, Ava, and nephew Jack Hulett of Illinois; father-in-law James Runyan, sister-in-law Sandy (Charles) Fletcher and nephew Chad Fletcher of Alum Creek. A memorial service honoring his life will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home, 4122 MacCorkle Avenue, SW, South Charleston, WV 25309, on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 4:00 PM. Friends may visit the family prior to the service at 3:00 PM. Donations to pancreatic cancer research may be made in Ed's honor at https://www.lustgarten.org/donate, but flowers are also appreciated. Online condolences to the family may be sent to the Snodgrass Funeral Home website at www.snodgrassfuneral.com.