Donald (Donnie) Edward Nelson, age 69, of 201 Buck Rub Way, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Saturday, March 26, 2022 at his residence.

He is "resting high on that mountain".

He was born August 26, 1952 in Pennsylvania to the late William Wallace and Helen Hutton Wallace Smith.

He was a self-employed auctioneer and a commercial fisherman. He also served in the United States Navy as an aviation jet fuel mechanic.

Donnie grew up in the Lone Star Advent Christian Church where he was a true son of God, and enjoyed reading his Bible twice a day. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

In addition to his birth parents, he was preceded in death by his adopted parents, Charles Bernard Nelson and Edythe Rabie Nelson; an infant son, "Little" Donnie Nelson; a grandson, Aarron Manley Batts; three sisters, Victoria Porter, Nina Outlaw, Wanda Hinks; six brothers, Paul Breazeale, William Morton, Roy Loomis, Leslie Goldfinger, James Smith and Gary Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Lorie Persinger Nelson of Clifton Forge; a daughter, Tonia Nelson Madison and husband, Scott of Clifton Forge; two sons, James Donald Monroe Nelson and Anna Burckhalter, and William Jackson Lee Nelson and wife, Christina Abigail both of Leland, NC; a brother, Carl Tingler and wife, Teressa of Covington; ten grandchildren, Tavis Burckhalter, Hailey Lennon, Hunter Nelson, Courtney Lennon, Alexis Roberts, Naomi Nelson, Taylor Roberts, Breanna Nelson, Owen Madison and Hayden Madison; three great grandchildren, Noah Nelson, Brielle Gutierrez, Lane Burckhalter; special friends, Timothy and Sue Higgins, Johnny Angle, Oral Roberts, and Shane Cox; his special companion dogs, Reba Jane and Bandit; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at the home of Donnie and Lorie, 201 Buck Rub Way, Clifton Forge, Virginia.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Valley View Animal Rescue, 5757 Rich Patch Road, Covington, Virginia 24423.

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is handling arrangements.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com