With deepest sorrow, we announce that our most beloved son, brother, and husband, Joe S. Nelson, 26, has passed. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, he was called home the morning of Dec. 8, 2020. Joe was blessed to have had his last wish fulfilled as he passed on from the comfort of his Gloucester home, with his loving family at his side.

Joe was a graduate of Middlesex High School, Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School, and Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. At an early age, he developed his love of mechanics and working with his hands, while working alongside his dad, brother, and uncle, for William Wright. His professional education and career began at Newport News Shipbuilding, where he would later meet his wife Heather. Most recently, he worked for Canon Virginia in Gloucester.

He loved being on the water, working on his home and vehicles, and rarely passed up an opportunity to go shooting with his friends and brother Hughes. A patriot at heart, Joe was a hardworking man of principle and honor. He had a generous, forgiving heart and is loved by many. He was an excellent and patient teacher who was quick to share his knowledge and experience with others. He was truly selfless to his friends—ready and willing to help at a moment’s notice and to lend an ear. It will be impossible to replace his quick wit, sense of humor, and loving manner.

His loving and devoted wife Heather; his parents Alice and Todd; his brother, Hughes; his best and longtime friend, Alex Grulke, and countless other family members and friends will forever grieve the loss of the beautiful soul that was Joe Nelson. Although his time on Earth has come to an end, Joe’s light still shines bright as ever; in sunrises and sunsets, in the stars and the moon on a clear night, and in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation for family and friends was held Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 from 10 a.m. to noon at Faulkner Funeral Home, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel in Saluda. Friends and family are encouraged to write letters or notes to Joe and place them in a sealed envelope. The letters are never to be opened, their contents kept solely between Joe and the writer. Letters to Joe were placed personally with him during the visitation, and with him they will stay forever.

Those who choose to give a gift to honor Joe are asked to make a donation in his name to Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, 7348 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061.