Franklin- Lawrence Woodson Nelson, 72, passed away May 12, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Mr. Nelson was born in Martinsville and was predeceased by his parents, Henry Woodson Nelson and Mary Ruth Smith Nelson and his beloved pet, Sophie.

He was a retired superintendent for H.B.H. Industrial Services of Portsmouth and was a Navy veteran during the Vietnam era. He was a member of Mt Horeb United Methodist Church and President and honorary member of the Handsom Hunt Club.

Left to cherish his memory is his best friend, Barbara Nelson (Rich), daughter, Mandy Edwards (Allyn) of Franklin, son, Mark Woodson Nelson (Melissa) of Zuni, two sisters, Cathy Ricks (Mac) of Callao, Ellen Nelson (Pat) of Stoneville, NC, two brothers, Frank Nelson of Stoneville, NC and Barry Nelson (Rosie) of New Bern, NC, four grandchildren, Caitlynn and Donovan Edwards and Caroline and Camrey Nelson, his best friend, Bennie "Sunshine" Murphy, his caregiver, Stephanie Norman and his nurse, Terry Blythe.

A funeral will be conducted at 2PM Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Wright Funeral Home with the Rev. William E. Ricks officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the new annex section of Poplar Spring Cemetery off of Homestead Rd. in Franklin. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Monday, May 16 from 6 to 8PM and other times at the home of Mark and Melissa Nelson at 35096 Unity Rd., Zuni, VA. www.wrightfuneralhome.org