John Stanley Nelson

Born in the Pleasant Grove Community on August 5, 1923, he was a son of the late Elijah Richard Nelson and Pocahontas Morris Nelson. Also preceding him in death were a daughter, Myra Gail Nelson, a son, Richard S. Nelson, his sisters, Berta Hite, Esley N. Philpott, Maggie Lee Eggleston, Emma Eggleston, Virginia Craig, Myrtle Hite and his brothers, C. Will Nelson, George R. Nelson Sr., Vernon Nelson, Rob Nelson, and Jim Nelson.

Stanley served in the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper during World War II, and was in New Guinea, the South Philippines, and Luzon. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Christian Church, an avid golfer, and a big sports fan.

Surviving is his wife of 68 years, Helen S. Nelson of Martinsville, two daughters Joan Nelson Collins (J.D.) of Collinsville and Jean Nelson Martin (Rudy) of Hickory, NC, 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 1 P.M. Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at Pleasant Grove Christian Church with Rev. Larry Cheek officiating, with full military rites provided by the Veterans Honor Guard of Martinsville and Henry County.

The family will receive friends from noon to 1 P.M. prior to the service and at the home of his daughter, Joan Collins, at 106 Homestead Ct. Collinsville, VA.

Arrangements are by Collins Funeral Home in Bassett where online condolences may be made at www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com.