SALISBURY - Elwood "Bud" William Nelson died Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Born in Delmar, he was the son of the late Elwood H. and Doris Purcell Nelson.
A 1954 graduate of Wicomico High School, after graduation he entered the U.S. Army, where he served for 22 years and retired as a Master Sergeant. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation, The Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and two Bronze Stars for his heroic achievements during the Vietnam Conflict.
After his Army retirement, he worked for the Department of Defense as an Electronic and Communications Engineer and Operator, serving all over the world. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion, both in Salisbury.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Maxine Nelson of Salisbury; two daughters, Phyllis Sue Nelson Atkins of Salisbury and Laura N. Colonna of Salisbury; two second-children, Scott Smith of Salisbury and Sherri S. Pavilack of Plymouth, Minn.; six grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald B. Nelson of Salisbury and Edward W. Nelson of Salisbury; three sisters, Phyllis J. Elliott of Salisbury, Yvonne Rathel of Salisbury and Brenda C. Jachelski of Forrest Hill,. Md.; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith K. Nelson; a brother, Russell M. Cropper; and a second-son, Randy R. Smith.
A funeral service was held Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at the Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury. Interment followed at Parson's Cemetery in Salisbury.