Mr. George Washington Nelson Jr.

GEORGE WASHINGTON NELSON, JR. George Nelson, age 84, of Coal City, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Appalachian Regional Hospital following a long illness. Born May 14, 1924 at Epperly, WV, he was the son of the late George Washington Nelson, Sr., and Mary Agnes McKinney Nelson. Mr. Nelson served in the U. S. Navy Armed Guard during World War II, serving in the American, European, and Pacific Theatres. He enjoyed gardening. He retired in 1986 from Westmoreland Coal Company. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Elsie Margaret Thompson Nelson; and two sisters, Legaitha Irene Lilly and Ruth Marie Ware. Survivors include two sons, George W. Nelson III and wife Gloria of Coal City, and David W. Nelson and wife Victoria also of Coal City; his grandchildren, Mark Nelson of St. Clairsville, OH, Christopher Nelson and wife Carla, Arista Wise and husband Bill all of Coal City, Kassie Jones and husband Galen of Sophia, Christina Reed and husband Greg of Athens, Jonathon Nelson of Washington, DC, Dustin Nelson of Coal City; great-grandchildren, Derek Jones, Jeffrey Clifton, Samantha Jo Wise, Nicole Wise, Christopher Nelson, Caitlin Wise, Gracie Wise, Harleigh Reed, Madeleine Nelson, Danielle Jones, and Mary Reed. Friends may call Tuesday, December 23, 2008 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 PM with services following at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley. Pastor Don Kelly will be officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Mark Nelson, Christopher G. Nelson, Jonathon Nelson, Dustin Nelson, Jeffrey Clifton, and Christopher M. Nelson will serve as Pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV is in charge of the arrangements.