Bascom "Gene" Eugene Nelson

On October 23, 2023, Bascom Eugene Nelson, “Gene” left his Earthly home of 80 years to meet Jesus Face-to-Face and live forever in Heaven. Gene lived a full life and had a host of family and friends to love and love him back. Life was not always easy for the six feet-four inches giant of a man with a friendly and kind soul, but he always rose above and overcome the obstacles in his way to pave a successful life journey. Gene never met a stranger. He loved working, traveling, eating good food, cooking, collecting clowns, holiday decorating, and taking care of his sweet wife “Lula Bell” of almost 60 years. Gene loved God, his precious wife, their three children, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, large family, and host of friends.

Gene was born in Huntington, WV on August 13, 1943, to Carl Nelson and Olive Tennessee Smith Nelson Thacker. Gene grew up in the west end of Huntington, WV and graduated from Huntington High School in 1961. Gene was in the Army National Guard and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital where he met his beautiful bride Lula Carol Collins Nelson, and they were married on July 3, 1965. Gene later started working at Huntington Tri-state Dental Depot and later started his own businesses; Nelson Dental Supply Company and G & C Enterprises where he retired.

Gene attended Grace Gospel Church in Huntington, WV, where he was saved and baptized under the direction of Pastor Melvin Efaw. Gene was a member of Centerville Missionary Baptist Church. Gene was an active member in the churches for years. He served as an usher, sang in the choir, and taught in the Children’s Ministries.

Gene is proceeded in death by his biological father-Carl Nelson, stepfather-Rev. Edward Thacker, mother-Olive Tennessee Smith Nelson Thacker, brother-Pete Nelson, sister-Barbara Nelson Turley, son-in-law Charlie Carroll and many sisters and brother in laws, cousins, and friends.

Gene is survived by his beautiful wife-Lula Carol Collins Nelson, daughter-Wendy Renee Nelson Carroll Meredith (David), son-Craig Scott Nelson (Kim), son-Kelly Shane Nelson (Sally), grandchildren: Chase Carroll (Madison), Carissa Jean Carroll Steadham (Wesley), Gracie Rae Meredith, Brittany Meredith Harvey (Bryan), Zakary Meredith (Shelby), Torrin Scott Nelson, Brynne Nelson Wall (Jacob), Christopher Nelson, Courtney Araujo (Gabrielle), Braden Brenneman, Kelly Shane Nelson II, Brooklyn Faith Nelson.  Great grandchildren: Skyler Harvey, Lukas Harvey, Alexa Harvey, Cashton Carroll, Emerson Steadham, Bryson Steadham, and Abby Meredith. brother-Rev. Larry Nelson (Lacreta), brother-in-law-Donald Boyles (Christener) and a host of nieces and nephews. Gene is survived by two special friends: Dr. David Eller and Dr. Gary Hopkins.

The family would like to express gratitude to Madison Park Healthcare, St. Mary’s Hospital’s CV-ICU doctors, nurses, and staff, as well as the Chaplains and Comfort Care Team on 6th Floor-Oncology who helped the family and their precious dad in the transition from Earth to Heaven.

The Celebration of 80 Years of Life Here on Earth and the Homegoing to Heaven, will be at Reger Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Immediate Family-11:00 AM, Viewing -12:00 PM, and Service at 1:00 PM with Pastor Keith Wiebe Jr. officiating. Burial immediately following at Spring Valley Memorial Gardens.