Estel Lloyd Nelson

ESTEL LLOYD NELSON, 78, of Huntington, W.Va., passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025, in Huntington. Estel was born October 25, 1946, a son of the late Noah and Maltie Pack Nelson. He retired from Tennessee Gas Pipeline, where he worked as an electronic technician.
Estel was a dedicated Christian and lifelong student of the Bible. He was a member of Tri-State Baptist Church, where he faithfully taught Sunday school for many years, and in more recent years attended 13th Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Ky.
He had a passion for sports, both playing and coaching, and found great joy in encouraging young people. He especially loved coaching his son's teams through Lavalette Little League and Buffalo Youth Basketball Programs, and in later years, he rarely missed one of his granddaughter's basketball games. Estel was deeply supportive of his children's pursuits, from attending nearly every one of his daughter's music and dance performances to sharing in his son's love of the outdoors with special yearly fishing and hunting trips. Some of his son's fondest memories are of those times together. Just as lasting for his daughter are the many walks through the woods with him, where he guided her steps on the steep hills and shared his knowledge of nature. Whether outdoors with family or hiking alone, Estel found peace and joy in the woods.
Estel also enjoyed computer programming, applying it in both professional and personal ways. Above all, he loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. His steady presence, encouragement, and genuine care will be remembered by all who knew him.
The family extends special thanks to the staff of Madison Park Healthcare, who provided compassionate care during Estel's last several months. His wife, Mary Ruth, was especially devoted, caring for him at home for as long as possible and continuing to visit and tend to him daily even after his move to Madison Park. Her unwavering love and sacrifice were a constant source of comfort to him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Aileen Bailey and Hester Bailey, and three brothers, Bobby, Don, and David Nelson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ruth Ferguson Nelson; a son and daughter-in-law, Nathan Lloyd and Janet Nelson; a daughter and son-in-law, Andrea Lenee and Zachary Marcum; a granddaughter, Alexandra Collins and her husband, Daniel; and three great-grandchildren, Brynlee, Ella, and Eli Collins. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Patty Nelson, Martha Nelson, and Dianna Nelson.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from Noon to 2 p.m., with his funeral service immediately following at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova, with Pastor Jim Byrd officiating. Burial will follow in Docks Creek Cemetery.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Estel's memory to the Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org)