Robert "Bob" Nelson

SOUTH BOSTON Robert “Bob” Nelson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in South Boston, VA at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret; son Stewart Nelson (Patty); grandchildren Jessica Basham (Owen) and Eric Nelson (Kara); great-grandson Callum; and a brother, sister, and host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn Ann. Bob was born July 26, 1935 in Rapid City, South Dakota to the late James and Beryl Nelson. He graduated from South Dakota State University (SDSU), where he played on the men’s basketball team. For the next 4 years, he worked with the South Dakota Highway Department. Following that, he attended George Washington University and then spent 26 years with the Veterans Affairs Administration as a hospital administrator. During those years, the family lived throughout the United States in 9 different cities. After retiring, Bob and Marge spent 12 years in Richmond, VA before moving to South Boston in 1990 to be near their son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. While “retired” Bob worked part-time at True Value Hardware, where he loved the opportunity to meet and help customers. Bob was an avid sports fan. He loved nothing better than to follow the details of all college basketball games, particularly UVA and SDSU games. He was an especially big Comets basketball fan, attending most games until this year and tracking the team stats himself. Memorial services for Mr. Nelson will be Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in South Boston. Visitation will be Friday, April 5, 2019 from 4-6 p.m. at Brooks-Lyon Funeral Home at 115 Main St. in South Boston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.