Thomas Nelson

Bill Nelson was born April 8, 1931 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Thomas and Jeanne Nelson. He passed on April 2nd, 2025.
Bill spent his youth in Houston, TX graduating from Lamar High School before attending Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia where he earned a B.S. in Chemistry. His experience at VMI was one of his fondest memories and built the foundation for joining the Marine Corps upon graduation. He received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1954.
His distinguished career in the Corps as an aviator spanned more than 20 years and included multiple carrier cruises and tours in Vietnam. He holds the Bronze Star with Combat “V”, Meritorious Service Medal, Eleven Air Medals, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation and various campaign medals. He retired from the Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel and subsequently went on to work as an accountant, business controller and business owner.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife, family and friends as well as spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, one brother and one sister. He is survived by two brothers, two children, four grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He will be interred at the National Cemetery of Santa Fe with Military Honors.