Lewis Mann Nelson, Jr., of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on January 7, 2026 at 94 years of age. He was born on April 2, 1931 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina to Ellen Finley and Lewis M. Nelson. Lewis’s life embodied a commitment to helping others and serving the community with a particular focus on supporting public education and the well-being of children as a whole.
Lewis loved adventures and traveling. In 1948 at age 17, he and his cousin Gordon Finley, Jr., floated a surplus Army Air Corps life raft from the mountains of North Carolina to the coast , travelling the length of the Yadkin – Pee Dee River, a distance of 425 miles over eighteen days, living off the land and the kindness of people, while utilizing the skills he learned as an Eagle Scout in Senior Explorer Post #121.
Lewis graduated from Davidson College with a BS degree in Business Administration in 1953. He participated in Navy ROTC at Davidson and accepted a Commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy. His first permanent duty station was with the Commander-in Chief of the Pacific Fleet Command, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he was assigned as a communications officer. He loved to tell stories about his time spent transmitting top secret messages, meeting the President of South Korea as well as exploring and enjoying the people and culture in Hawaii. His experience was truly transformational for a young man from a small town in North Carolina as he came to understand a much broader world. Lewis cherished the time he spent in the Navy and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve, retiring at the rank of Commander.
Following his active-duty service, Lewis moved to Roanoke, Virginia to start his banking career at Mountain Trust Bank. He worked for over 39 years at the bank as it merged many times eventually becoming Bank of America. He met Alice Albert and the two were married in 1961, enjoying fifty-nine years together until her passing in 2021. Together, they raised three daughters, a son, many cats and more dogs. Lewis loved his family and over the years delighted as his children married and established their own families. He thrived in telling stories and listening to the antics of his grandchildren, and took keen interest in their own education and adventures. He loved his family time, and most especially the annual beach trips to Ocean Isle, Sandbridge, and Myrtle Beach with several generations of family and friends. Lewis and Alice made life long and dear friends participating in their regular tennis and bridge groups over the years.
Lewis’s service to others continued throughout his life. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, and served on many committees with the church, to include service for many years as an Elder. He served the City of Roanoke on many community boards, and most significantly the Roanoke City School Board for twelve years, including one term as the Chair of the School Board. Following his service to his city, Lewis served as a member of the State Board of Education for eight years. Over the course of his professional life, he served as the President of Family Service of Roanoke, President of the Backbone Club for the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Science Museum of Virginia, Vice-President of the United Way of Roanoke, and as a board member of Planned Parenthood and the Child Health Investment Partnership (CHIP).
Lewis retired as the Regional Vice-President of Bank of America. But true to his nature, he came out of retirement to serve the citizens of the Alleghany Highlands when he was recruited to serve for ten years as the first Executive Director of The Alleghany Foundation that was formed in 1995. He and his wife, Alice, traveled extensively all over the world with friends as he eagerly wanted to experience and explore many cultures and sights. Their travels took them to many countries in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Lewis is preceded in death by his father, Lewis M. Nelson, his mother, Ellen Finley Nelson, his brother, Thomas Nelson, his wife, Alice Albert Nelson, and his son, John Finley Nelson. He is survived by his daughter, Martha Nelson Kelley (Blaine) of Atlanta, Georgia, daughter, Gwyn Nelson Johnson (John) of Roanoke, Virginia, daughter Caroline Nelson Derifaj (Jason) of Cary, North Carolina, daughter-in-law, Anastassia Doynova, of Sofia, Bulgaria, grandchildren, Thomas Johnson (Logan), Anne Johnson, Lenoir Kelley, Frances Kelley, Gwyn Kelley, Sarah Derifaj, Audrey Derifaj, Sophie Nelson, and one great-grandchild, Cohen Johnson.
With quiet humility and steadfast love, Lewis gave himself first to his family, living his life with patience, sacrifice, and faithfulness. He extended that same love to his community and country, seeking justice, and practicing mercy. His life testified that greatness is found in service, and we trust that he now hears “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.”
A celebration of his life will occur on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 214 Mountain Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia 24016. A reception will follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Second Presbyterian Church Organ Fund 214 Mountain Avenue Roanoke, VA 24016 (www.spres.org)
Or
Child Health Investment Partnership (CHIP) of Roanoke Valley 1201 Third Street, SW Roanoke, VA 24016 https://chiprv.givingfuel.com/donatetochip