Ronald Nelson

Mr. Ronald Nelson, 73, of Johnson City, Tennessee passed away suddenly Monday, October 16, 2017. Originally from Calhoun, Georgia, Ron was a 40-year resident of Johnson City. He was the son of the late Jud and Jennie Nelson. Ron graduated from Calhoun High School in 1962, then earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Following his college graduation, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of captain. Ron married Mary Perkinson of Bremen, Georgia in 1968. After serving his country in the war in Vietnam, Ron and Mary moved to Johnson City where he worked with Great Lakes Research and, later, Aerojet Ordinance. He was a licensed Professional Engineer and LEED certified in sustainable building design. He enjoyed sailing, hiking, and camping, serving as a volunteer camp host at Grindstone Campground in southwestern Virginia for five years. He was a long-time member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City and the Johnson City Power Squadron. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Reverend Padgett Nelson, and sister-in-law Marian Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons Bill and Sheree Nelson of Spanish Fort, Alabama, and Mike and Beth Nelson of Alpharetta, Georgia; four grandchildren; one brother Jim and Annette Nelson of Marietta, Georgia; sister-in-law Yvonne Nelson; brother-in-law Oscar and Cheryl Perkinson of Red Wing, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews. The family of Ron Nelson will receive friends from 4 to 5pm on Thursday, October 19, 2017 in the sanctuary of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City. They will also receive friends from 10 to 11am on Saturday at Thomas Funeral Home in Calhoun, Georgia. A funeral service will follow at 11am and committal at Fain Cemetery in Calhoun, with Reverend Patty Muse officiating. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Virginia Creeper Trail Club at www.vacreepertrail.org. You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the local arrangements for Ron Nelson.