Gary Edward Nelson

Gary Edward Nelson was born on January 15, 1943, and passed away peacefully at his son’s home in Fredericksburg VA on December 15, 2025. 

Gary was a Vietnam-era US Army veteran, who proudly served his country. He spent the majority of his working life in the lumber and home improvement industry, including more than 30 years with Lowe’s, where he was beloved by his customers and colleagues for his knowledge, humor, kindness, and steady presence.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Gwendolyn Kay Nelson, his parents, Belle (Bragg) and Herman Nelson; his sisters, Carol (Hammond), Nancy (Sumney), Dixie (Arbogast); and his brother, Norman. Additionally preceding him in Death were his Brothers in Law Berkeley Scarbro, Pat Meadows, and Harold Clark.

 A man of deep faith, Gary was a proud and active member of Jones Avenue Church of God for over 50 years, where he was a trusted friend and a familiar, welcoming face to generations of congregants. 

He is survived by his son, Dr. Gary Christopher Nelson, and his grandsons, Nathaniel Christopher Nelson, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Ian Edward Nelson, a student at Mary Baldwin University. Additionally, he survived by his sisters in law Ernestine Meadows, Carolyn Clark, Judy Alexander (Husband Walter), and Stephanie Scarbro - along with a slew of friends, who were like family, and a score of nieces & nephews. 

Gary was a kind, good, and humorous man whose warmth and integrity made him a pillar of his community. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), or to Jones Avenue Church of God, in Gary‘s name.

Funeral service will be 1:00 PM on Monday, December 22, 2025 at the Jones Avenue First Church of God in Oak Hill with Pastor Mike Hicks officiating. Burial will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill.

Visitation for friends will be from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Tyree Funeral Home Chapel in Oak Hill.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

The family of Gary Nelson is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.