Dr. Joseph Lee Nelson Jr.

Some friends we never forget. Joe and Margaret are two such friends. Their memory lives on in so many ways and through all of their fantastic children , grandchildren and all of those to come. We are grateful for having shared life with them in time and space.

From the time I arrived in Lynchburg as a student at R-MWC in 1954, Joe and Margaret were dear mentors and friends. Their family and their values remain precious to us and to our family.

My deepest sympathies and condolences to all the family. Dr. Nelson was one of my Professors at Lynchburg College. It was a blessing to be one of his students. He was a great mentor. I have great memories of Dr. Nelson. I lift up prayers for his family and friends.

Dr. Nelson was a wonderful teacher, an excellent scholar, and a gentleman. He is the reason I am a professor of biblical studies today. As an undergraduate Religion major, Dr. Nelson was the first person to suggest that I might answer a call to ministry through academia. He encouraged me as a student and provided me with a solid academic foundation for doctoral work. Beyond graduation, Dr. Nelson continued to support me and my academic career. I will always be grateful for the privilege of...

Dr. Nelson was loved by all the staff at WC for his quick wit and intelligence. There was always something to learn when you were in his presence. I will miss my friend.

Sorry to hear the news on Dr. Nelson. I took his Old/New Testament course back in the 70s to meet the requirement. To this day I can recall a lot of his teachings. He once taught a class on controversy the Revised Standard Version caused back in the 50s. Many don't know about that. Saw him many times over the years as he was very active. I will miss him.

Sorry for your loss.

What a life well-lived! He was God's light to many. I am thankful that he took his family with him to Union Theological Seminary to obtain his Doctor of Theology Degree...because that is when God blessed me with one of my very dearest childhood friends...Margaret Nelson. I have fond memories of Dr. and Mrs. Nelson. Their home in Richmond was always a place where the neighbourhood children were welcomed. I visited the Nelson's home in Lynchburg many times...and enjoyed welcoming them to...

A giant in a small package. Dr. Nelson was an inspiration as a teacher. He changed the rote memorization style of learning into an inquiry. He questioned and took his students deep beyond competence in a subject to a place that I will call "Aha"...discovery. A great smile and genial manner were his hallmarks. A life of leadership and example.