E. Nelson Justice passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in his home on Chipman’s Pond on July 9, 2024. He was born on March 12, 1943 at Beebe Hospital in Lewes to the late Elmer and Alberta (Mitchell) Justice.
While a junior in high school, Nelson lost his father but continued to fulfill his Dad’s commitment to farming his land. He graduated from Georgetown High School in 1961 where he excelled in all three sports, setting several school records.
He was a member of the Delaware National Guard and worked for E. I. DuPont Nemours until joining the U. S. Navy in 1965. He served as a Navy Seabee (MCB-9) for two years in Bermuda followed by two 9 month tours in Vietnam in 1966 and 67. He was a Construction Electrician and earned a National Defense Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Insignia and a Vietnamese Campaign Medal. He had a career with Delmarva Power which spanned 26 years as a lineman retiring as a trouble serviceman in 1998. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, Laurel American Legion Post #19 and Laurel Saddle Friends.
Nelson’s hobbies included hunting, fishing and anything outdoors including riding a tractor or the four wheeler! He especially loved caring for their property and found great pride in building their home in Laurel. In his spare time he enjoyed watching “old westerns” – the older the better! Though he admired many early “cowboys” including Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, he kinda lived by John Wayne’s motto – “talk low, talk slow and don’t say too much.” He possessed many God-given talents which he shared with all including carpentry, mechanical, electrical and literally could fix anything.
Nelson’s pride and joy were his grandsons, Luke and Logan. He was also an adopted grandfather to many of their special friends who loved him dearly as he loved them. Nelson and Linda shared many precious memories with family especially attending their grandson’s activities and the years at Fork Union Military Academy. They enjoyed traveling especially to their favorite place – the WEST! Over the years, Nelson was a “miracle” seven times – from his close call in Vietnam with a land mine to the 72’ fall from the electric pole as well as five additional rare medical miracles. He fought hard to beat cancer and even after the stroke he fought with true grace and dignity, all the while keeping his quick wit and humor until the end. The most important thing to him was “what’s for dinner” and his favorite was Linda’s chicken and dumplings!! Nelson was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, true friend and hero to all who were privileged to know him. He will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruth Schmierer, Barbara Thompson and Beverly Wilson and his in-laws, Joe and Pansy Plummer. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda, his son, John (Debi), grandsons, Luke Justice and Logan Justice. Nelson is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Plummer and brother-in-law, Jay Plummer (Diane) as well as 14 very special nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, July 20 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 200 W. Market Street in Laurel. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a service noon to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his honor to Centenary United Methodist Church, 200 W. Market Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956; Laurel American Legion Post #19, 12168 Laurel Rd, Laurel, Delaware 19956; or Laurel Saddle Friends, P. O. Box 93, Laurel, Delaware 19956; or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to their neighbors in Old Church Landing, Pam Rehabilitation in Georgetown, Aveanna Home Health, Lofland Park Center and Compassionate Care Hospice for the excellent care given to Nelson. In addition, they would like to thank the private aides for their amazing daily care since his return home. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.