Billy Nelson Obituary

Billy Ray Nelson, 95, of Keyser, WV, died on Friday, June 6, 2025 at his residence.
Born on May 28, 1930 in Buckhannon, WV, he was a son of the late Harold and Louise (Snell) Nelson Crawford and stepfather, Clarence Crawford, Sr. He also was preceded in death by his wife, Lelia M. (Decker) Nelson on October 13, 2001 after 47 1/2 years of marriage; two half brothers, Paul Crawford and Clarence Crawford, Jr. and a son-in-law, Thurman W. Whisner.
Mr. nelson was a 1948 graduate of Keyser High School and was retired from the Westvaco Luke Mill with 49 years of service. He served in the United States Army for three years, being stationed in England and in Georgia and Washington states.
A prominent local musician, Bill played lead guitar, lap steel guitar, dobro and the mandolin. He taught guitar and mentored many young musicians in the area over the years and played in many different country and gospel bands over the years, including The Happy Valley Gang, The Country Ramblers, The Nelsons, The Country Notes and Country Gold. Bill also fronted and managed the jamboree at the Community Center in Fort Ashby, WV for five years. He supplied music to several area nursing homes for numerous years until Lelia's death in 2001 and continued to provide ministry in music to the residents of those nursing homes.
Surviving are his four children, Karen Elaine Whisner of Great Cacapon, WV, Randall Lee Nelson and wife Sheila of Lusby, MD, Terri Lynne Nelson and wife Michelle Campbell of Richmond, VA and Mark Owen Nelson and wife Apryl of Rawlings, MD; nine grandchildren, David Whisner, Michelle Bishop, Jeff T. Radcliffe-Nelson and wife Stephanie Garon, Lisa Andrews and husband Chad, Stephanie Nelson and Tyler, Samantha Palacios and husband Mario, Brianna Nelson, Kristen Robinette and Dylan Robinette;10 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Anna Lee Nield and companion Howard Bennett and Glenda Staggs and husband Robert, all of Keyser and very good friends, June Preston and David Haines.
A memorial service will be conducted at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Private inurnment will be in the Biser Cemetery, Knobley Road, Keyser.
The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to a charity of the donor's choice.
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