Robert Earl "Bob" Nelson

Colonel (Ret.) Robert Earl "Bob" Nelson

December 30, 2025

ERWIN - Colonel (Retired) Robert Earl "Bob" Nelson, lovingly known as "Peewee" by his friends and family, age 73, of Erwin, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. A native of Erwin, Robert is the son of the late Earl Nelson and the late Judy Bell (White) Bailey. He was a proud and highly decorated veteran of the United States Air Force, United States Army and the Tennessee Army National Guard, having served from 1974 until 2012, with two deployments. From 1990 until 1991, Robert served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. His second deployment was to Kuwait at Camp Arifjuan, where he served as the Deputy Commander of the 21st Theater Support Command in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Afghanistan. His awards include Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars for Meritorious Service, the Meritorious Service Medal, as well as numerous other awards and commendations.

Robert was a member of West Park Street Baptist Church. He was a devoted man of God who loved his church and church family. He was a family man whose family meant everything to him. He took special joy in spending time with his great-grandchildren. Robert loved fixing things, building things, riding his tractor and helping people.

In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his step father, Herman Bailey; granddaughter, Jessica Hope Franklin; brothers: Harold Nelson and Frank Nelson; and an infant sister.

Robert Earl Nelson has left behind to cherish his memory: beloved wife of 54 years, Freda Nelson; daughters: Jennifer Franklin (Terry, who was very special to him) and Sharon Shadrick; grandchildren: Sarah Brackins (Russell), Kayla Shadrick Rice (Jeff), Ashley Shadrick (partner, Shaun), Erica Franklin Hill (Stephen), and Phillip Franklin; great-grandchildren: Christopher, Mason, Thomas, Bella, Lilly, Gabe, Summer, Amelia, Carson, Winter, Zach, and Waylon; and several other family members and friends who loved him dearly.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff VA Medical center at Mountain Home for their loving care for Robert; to Marty and Joey for all of their help; and to Dennis and Susan France for being there any time they were needed.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Colonel (Retired) Robert Earl "Bob" Nelson in a celebration of his life to be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2025 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Pastor Jeff Autrey will officiate. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 11:00 am on Wednesday and will continue until the hour of service at Valley Funeral Home. A graveside committal service with full military honors will be held in Haun-White Cemetery at 2:00 pm on Wednesday. Those who wish to attend the committal service are asked to meet at Valley Funeral Home by 1:30 pm on Wednesday to go in procession to the cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers will be Robert's grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Valley Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Colonel (Retired) Robert Earl "Bob" Nelson.