Ralph Leonard Nelson, Jr., 87, of Hot Springs, Virginia passed away Monday, March 18, 2019 at his residence.

He was born May 22, 1931 in Lynchburg, Virginia, the son of the late Ralph Leonard Nelson, Sr. and Mammie Evelyn Tyree Nelson.

Mr. Nelson retired from VDOT with 40 years of service, where he was a superintendent and a bridge foreman. Prior to that he was the owner of Ashwood Shell General Store.

Mr. Nelson loved hunting and gardening. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and was one of the founding members of the Millboro Fire Department. He was a member of the Millboro Presbyterian Church and attended the Hot Springs Baptist Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ella Lenora Williams Nelson, whom he married on December 1, 1950; three children, James "Jamie" Nelson and friend Ruth King of Hot Springs, Jackie Nelson and wife, Phyllis of Grover, North Carolina and Anthony "Tony" Nelson; nine grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; two brothers, Curtis Nelson and wife, Donna of Covington, Virginia, Kenneth Nelson and wife, Nancy of Craigsville, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Janice Nelson and Joanie Bogan. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2019 at McLaughlin & Young Funeral with Pastor Jackie Nelson officiating and Reverend Garland Humphries assisting. Interment will be in Windy Cove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Casey Nelson, Bryan Nelson, Kipp Fry, Thomas Nelson, Don Bogan and Billy Bogan.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to services from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home.