Virgil Nelson

Virgil Nelson, a resident of Shorterville, AL, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020 at a local hospital. He was 61. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Charles Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:30-1:30 pm. Virgil was born on September 1, 1958 to the late John Richard Nelson and Mary Lou Nelson. As a child with his brothers and sister, he joined Spring Hill Baptist Church. Virgil loved sports, he played basketball and football in high school. He coached city league basketball for many years while attending college. Virgil graduated from Alabama State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. After graduating he began his career in boxing and training in Montgomery, AL for several years. He was affectionately known as "Smoky". He began training young boxers for many years. He also trained with Roy Jones before he received his titles. Virgil eventually moved back to Abbeville, AL, his passion for cars and detailing lead him to opening a car detailing shop, Classic Car Detailing. After meeting and marrying his lovely wife, Judy, Virgil began his fellowship at New Salem Church in Shorterville. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife and friend, Judy Nelson; he leaves his torch of love and faith to his three daughters, Tomeka Duncan, Latosha Carter, Birmingham, AL, and Princella (Warrick) Melton Huntsville, AL; his son, Virtuan Nelson; his 2 step daughters, Rhonda (Benjamin) Thomas, Ft. Mitchell, AL and Tonja (Greg) Jones, Abbeville, AL; his 4 step sons, Anthony (Samantha) Carter, Timothy Carter, Lucas (Angie) Carter, Christopher (Mariah) Carter, Shorterville, AL; his 3 sisters, Emma (Harold) Griffin, Pensacola, FL, Sherry (Avery) Cannon, Leawood, KS, and Josie (Julian) Evans, Hampton Cove, AL; his 5 brothers, of which one brother was preceded him in death, James Henry Sewell, Abbeville, AL, Willie (Elaine) Nelson, Abbeville, AL, Walter (Janice) Nelson, Dothan, AL, Bobby (Gwen) Nelson, Pensacola, FL, Nathaniel (Angie) Jacksonville, FL, and Jerell Nelson, Abbeville, AL; his 21 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; 3 aunts and a host of nieces and nephews, loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, 3 loving "adopted parents", Mr. Eddie Smith, Mrs. Johnnie Smith, Mr. Mike Murphy; his step-mom, Bettye Nelson; very special friends, Bishop Bobby Charles Graham, Alvin Grimsley, and Brenda Williams; and a loving caregiver/granddaughter, Naomie Carter. Burial Date February 8, 2020 A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Charles Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:30-1:30 pm.