Dr. William R. Nelson, Lt. Col. USAF (ret.), passed away on June 30, 2008, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, VA. Dr. Nelson was born February 5, 1924, in Colton, California. He was the son of the late William Gunther and Vera Maughan Nelson.
Dr. Nelson served with the 20th Air Force, 793rd Squadron and 468th Bomb Group and flew 35 bombing missions as a navigator over Japan. He received a law degree at the University of Utah after the war. He then returned to the Air Force and served in various posts through the Korean War. After the war he was appointed instructor in the department of law at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He received his masters of law degree from New York University at this time.
Dr. Nelson received his masters of arts degree from Miami University while he continued serving the nation in the Air Force. Dr. Nelson served as deputy for administration, deputy department head, and associate professor in the department of political science at the United States Air Force Academy. During this time he completed his Ph.D. in American studies. He retired from the Air Force in 1969 after 27 years of service and numerous decorations and awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross and World War II Victory Medal.
After his retirement Dr. Nelson accepted the position of chair and professor in the department of political science at Memphis State University from 1969–73. In 1973 Dr. Nelson joined James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, as vice president and provost for academic affairs. He also served as head of the department of political science until his retirement in 1992. Dr. Nelson taught constitutional law, civil rights, and a seminar in international terrorism. He was the author of numerous articles in professional journals and two books: American Government and Political Change and The Politics of Science. After his retirement Dr. Nelson served as professor emeritus at James Madison University. The William R. Nelson Institute for International and Public Affairs at James Madison University was created in his honor by chancellor emeritus Dr. Ronald E. Carrier.
Dr. Nelson is survived by his wife Dr. Eileen Schmitt Nelson, professor emeritus, psychology department, James Madison University; sons R. Ryan Nelson of Charlottesville, VA, Edward R. Farnen of Cumming, GA, Carlton Nelson of Baltimore, MD, and Stuart Nelson of Salt Lake City, UT; daughters Pamela S. Nelson of Richmond, VA, Nancy Sarco of Harrisonburg, VA, Tina Hair of Murray, UT, Camille Strasters and St. Claire Nelson both of Salt Lake City, UT, and Sarah Stokke-Johnson of Oslow, Norway; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter Judy Pepper of Salina, KS.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the William R. Nelson Institute for International and Public Affairs, James Madison University, Moody Hall, MSC 1205, 800 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, or Community Caregivers Network, James Madison University, Blue Ridge Hall, MSC 9014, 800 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807.
