Nelson Wilson Hall, 89, of Rockbridge County, Virginia, went home to be with his Lord on January 13, 2021.

He was born September 28, 1931, a son of the late Joshua Wilson Hall and Louise Deacon Hall.

Mr. Hall was preceded in death by son, Norris Edwin Hall and brothers, William Burtney Hall and Ronald Owen Hall.

Nelson attended Palmer School and Effinger High School.

In July 1952, Nelson entered the United States Army. At the completion of his duty, Nelson returned to his previous employer to complete a 28-year career at James Lees Carpet Factory. Nelson left the plant in 1977 to pursue his passion. He and his wife, Gatha purchased a farm in the Buffalo community of Rockbridge County and became successful beef cattle farmers.

Nelson was an active member of the Collierstown Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and in various other roles. Also, he served on the Rockbridge County Social Services Board, the Rockbridge County Committee of the Farm Service Agency, and the Rockbridge County Arbitration Board.

However, Nelson will most be remembered for his love of his community and his fellow citizens. Civic duty was Nelson's passion. Nelson served on the Weekday Religious Education Board for many years, and also served as president of the Palmer Community Center Board.

During his 62 years as a member of the Effinger Ruritan Club, he served as the club's president, vice president, director, and committee chairs. Nelson also served as the Zone 4 governor for the Natural Bridge District. He was honored with Citizen of the Year, Tom Downing Fellow Award and The Forever Ruritan Award. With the support of the Effinger Ruritan Club, Nelson led the daunting task of renovating Palmer Community Center, designed a chapel in the camping area of Lake Robertson, and built a new Weekday Religious Education building at Effinger Elementary School.

Nelson was someone people in the community could call on for help. His love of life, laughter, and conversation made him very approachable. Nelson will be remembered for his good and faithful service to the Buffalo community and its people. "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Nelson is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gatha Reynolds Hall; daughter, Tonya H. Fontenot and husband, Mark; granddaughter, Hayden Fontenot and fiancé, Justis Richardson; sister, Ella Bell Hall Clark and husband, Roy; brother, James Oscar Hall; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends in the community.

A private burial will be held at Collierstown Presbyterian Cemetery, and the family will have a memorial service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Collierstown Presbyterian Church, 31 Church Drive, Lexington; Palmer Community Center, 1080 Spring Branch Road, Lexington; Effinger Ruritan Club, P. O. Box 144, Lexington; or the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106A, Roanoke, VA 24018.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.