William Olaf Nelson Jr.

1934 - 2025

William Olaf Nelson, Jr.

April 6, 1934 - December 4, 2025

William "Bill" Olaf Nelson Jr., Lt. Col. USMC (retired), passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born on April 6, 1934, in Richmond, VA.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Melissa A. Nelson; his parents, William O. Nelson Sr. and Audrey H. Nelson; and his siblings, Richard and Judy. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Beth Anne and Bob Shelly; his son, Bill Nelson; his grandchildren, Marden Shelly Martin (Brian), Mary Grace Collins (CJ), and Will Polson; and four great-grandsons, Bo and Baylor Martin and Gardiner and Ford Collins.

Bill graduated from Hermitage High School and went on to earn a four-year scholarship to the Virginia Military Institute, where he received a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1956. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After completing basic school and combat engineering school, he was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division. He and Melissa married in 1957, and she embraced the role of a dedicated Marine Corps wife-though her enthusiasm was tested just six months later when Bill received orders for a sixteen-month unaccompanied tour in Okinawa, Japan.

In 1958, Bill was selected to command a detachment as part of President Eisenhower's People-to-People Program. Their mission was to locate and rebuild roads and bridges destroyed during World War II-work that Bill regarded as among the proudest achievements of his career, restoring vital infrastructure and opportunity for the people of Okinawa.

After four years of active duty, Bill continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserve for more than two decades. He received the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional leadership of his company, and a second medal for the company's outstanding performance on a major construction project in the Caribbean. Upon returning to Richmond, he continued training in artillery with the 105th Howitzer Battery as a forward observer, ultimately being promoted to Lt. Colonel of the Volunteer Training Unit before retiring from the Reserve in 1994.

Alongside his military service, Bill built a distinguished professional career as a civil engineer in the construction industry. He spent more than 25 years with Luck Stone Corporation, serving as Senior Vice President of Planning and Construction and later as Senior Vice President of the Architectural Stone Division. He retired from Luck Stone in 1996.

Bill gave generously of his time and talents to his community. He served for 16 years on the Goochland County Planning Commission and for 12 years as Junior Warden on the All Saints Episcopal Church Vestry. He also lent his voice to the All Saints Choir of Men and Boys.

In retirement, Bill embraced nearly 30 joyful years as "Oompa," a name affectionately bestowed by his first grandchild and quickly adopted by the entire family. He was an avid painter, reader, woodworker, beach walker, shell collector, and bird watcher, and he especially cherished time spent at Emerald Isle - especially happy hour on the deck. Within his family, Bill was lovingly known as "the marshmallow" for his warm heart and gentle nature. He never missed a chance to tease, joke, charm, serenade, or exchange stories with everyone he met.

Bill lived a life marked by service, curiosity, kindness, and devotion to his family. His presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The service will be on Thursday, December 11th, at 2 p.m. at Westhampton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VMI Foundation.