Harry Benjamin Nelson, 79, of Bradford, formerly of Sevierville TN and Cross Junction VA, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026.
Harry was born in Wellsboro, PA, on June 5, 1946, he was a son of the late Dorothy Ellen (Covur) and Clarence Edward Nelson, Sr. Harry was a 1965 graduate of East Fairmont High School and later attended Fairmont State College both in Fairmont WV.
In May of 1968 he joined the United States Air Force. He served as a Ground Radio Communication Equipment Repairman at Ellsworth AFB in SD.
On June 10, 1982, in Lineville AL, he married Dianne Marie (Harris) Nelson, who preceded him in death on April 21, 2025.
Before and after the service he worked AT&T, Northern Telephone and Telegraph, and he retired from WilTel Corporation in Virginia.
Harry was active in Boy Scouts first as a member and later a volunteer. He enjoyed woodworking, electronics, and the many dogs and cats he and his wife had over the years. He and Dianne traveled extensively, often attending countryside farm auctions in rural communities.
Surviving are two sisters, Debbie (Chuck) Smith, of Martinsburg WV, and Pam (Marvin) Miller, of Fairmont WV, one brother, Rev. Rick (Barb) Nelson, of Bradford, and four nieces, Altaira Nelson, Crystal (Abraham) Heise, Beth (Chadwick) Alt, and April Nelson, three nephews, Jody (Alicia) Nelson, Bryan Nelson, and James Nelson, and several grand nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dianne, of 43 years, and three brothers, Clarence E. Nelson Jr., David Nelson, and Dale Nelson.
Graveside services for family will be held later this summer in Oak Grove Methodist Cemetery in Lineville, AL. Rev. Rick Nelson, his brother will officiate, followed by Military Honors by members of the United States Air Force. Burial will follow.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Humane Society or a charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences for his family may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com