Darrell Ray Nelson, 73, of Roanoke, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Lewis Gale Medical Center. Born on July 3, 1949, to Geneva Lefew Nelson and the late Bruce Clifford Nelson, Sr., he was also preceded in death by a son, Sean Lee Nelson; a granddaughter, Brianna Nelson, and a brother, Bruce Clifford Nelson, Jr.
Darrell served his beloved country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and remained a proud veteran in later years. He loved being outdoors and greatly enjoyed hunting and casting a fishing line. An amateur photographer, Darrell captured beautiful photographic memories that his family will cherish for years to come. Darrell never knew a stranger and children especially tugged at his heartstrings – he truly loved each and every one, not just his own. He was a friend to many and would give the shirt off his back to anyone he thought might have need of one.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 45 years, Sue Nelson, of Roanoke; daughter, Deedee Nelson, of Roanoke; son, Chance Nelson, of Roanoke; step-son, Robbie Hall (Aaron), of Roanoke; grandchildren, Shyann Gibson, Blake Gibson, Brayden Gibson, Kayla Hall, Zachary Hall, Jordan Hall, and Skylar Hall; great-grandson, Taylor Ray Tisdall; brothers, Timothy Nelson, of North Carolina, and Mark (Debbie) Nelson, of Bedford; sister-in-law, Mindi Nelson; numerous nieces and nephews; special granddaughter, Paige Taylor Coe; special sister-in-law, Janet Coe, and his beloved pets, Spot and Rocky.
The family will welcome friends on both Sunday, November 20, 2022, and Monday, November 21, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the Upper Parlor of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. A funeral service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, VA.
The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Lewis Gale Medical Center, especially nursing staff of the 1st Floor ICU and the Nursing staff of the 6th Floor East, for the compassionate care given to both Darrell and to their family during this difficult time. Special thanks also to Chris Nelson for all of the help, love, and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to DAV or to the Wounded Warrior Project.