Anthony Paul Nelson Sr.

Anthony Paul Nelson, Sr., 79, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on August 1, 2026, in Newport News, Virginia. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia. Anthony was the son of C. Otis Nelson, Sr. and Laura R. Nelson. He was predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Charles O. Nelson, Jr. Anthony is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Wenona Vann Nelson; his daughter, Amy N. Sullivan, and son-in-law, James L. Sullivan; his son, A. Paul Nelson, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Kimberley Nelson. He was a proud grandfather to Ashley Spruill and husband Robert, Jacob Sullivan and wife Stephanie, Sam Nelson and wife Athena, Allison Nelson, Savannah Nelson and wife Chloe, and Abigail O’Neal. His greatest joy was watching his family grow, and he was especially blessed to be the great-grandfather of Taylor Spruill, Brandon Spruill, Riley Sullivan, Tasha Sullivan, Bodhi Sullivan, baby girl Sullivan due to make her arrival in September and Gabriel O’Neal. Throughout his career, Anthony was respected for his technical expertise, integrity, and exceptional problem-solving abilities. He began as a plant analyst with Virginia Chemicals, working in Virginia, South Carolina, and Alabama. Although he briefly pursued a career in the insurance industry, he soon realized his true calling was hands-on technical work. He joined Norfolk Shipbuilding & Drydock (NORSHIPCO), where he worked in Quality Assurance performing non-destructive testing for both civilian and military applications. He later brought those same skills to Howmet Castings before concluding his professional career as a Certified Weld Inspector at Liebherr, where he contributed to the construction of some of the largest mining trucks in the world. Anthony was exceptionally intelligent, quick-witted, and endlessly curious. He had a remarkable gift for engineering and problem-solving and genuinely enjoyed understanding how things worked. His ingenuity was perhaps best demonstrated by designing, building, and installing the heat pump system in his own home. More important than any professional accomplishment was the way Anthony lived out his faith. His relationship with Jesus Christ guided his life and shaped the way he cared for others. He quietly met the needs of family, friends, and even strangers without seeking recognition. Whether paying an overdue bill for someone in need or inviting an unhoused stranger into his home for a hot meal and a shower, Anthony's generosity reflected the compassion and grace he believed everyone deserved. Anthony was a Mason, though not active in later years. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his family and watching each new generation grow. A Homegoing Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel with Reverend Randy Duncan officiating. Anthony leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, wisdom, quiet service, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. While his family grieves his absence, they rejoice in the assurance that his faith has become sight, and they find comfort in the promise that they will see him again. The family suggest memorial contributions to The Union Mission Ministries.