MECHANICSVILLE, VA - Michael D. Nelson, 70, passed away on January 24, 2018. He was preceded by his father, Roy M. Nelson and his mother Winnifred Sweet Nelson. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Sandra M. Nelson of 48 years, sister Linda Nelson Whetstine (Robert) of Newport News, Virginia, daughter Lisa (Ryan) of Oak Park, IL, son Scott (Rebecca) of Mechanicsville, Virginia, son Matthew (Joy) of Glen Allen, Virginia and his three grandchildren Samuel Durkin, Winnifred Durkin, and Walter Nelson. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Mike was born in Hampton, Virginia. He was a graduate of Kecoughtan High School, the University of South Carolina, and a U.S. Army veteran. Mike retired after 33 years with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring as a district manager. He had a lifelong love of sports and fishing. He especially loved to speckle trout fish on the Outer Banks. He spent many years offshore fishing for mahi mahi and king mackerel on the Outer Banks with his friend Frank Wheeler on Frank's boat the "Nervous Wreck." Mike always said it was some of the most exciting times of his life. Mike coached for many years in the Mechanicsville Little League and was a League Director for a number of years. He said he had more fun coaching little league than he did playing. He loved going to UVA football games with his friend Bruce Baldwin and crew. Mike loved to read. Some of his favorite authors included Bob Woodward and John Steinbeck. He loved the political commentary of Bill Maher and Pat Buchanan. Mike had a love of 60s and 70s rock; some of his favorite bands included The Allman Brothers, Cream, Etta James, and Van Morrison. His favorite songs were "Whipping Post," "Mountain Jam," "Stormy Monday," and "Crossroads." Mike loved and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He also had an interest in his granddoggy, Dexter, later in life. He went from not knowing who his great grandfather was to establishing a tree on Ancestry.com of over 12,000 relatives. Although Mike spent the majority of his adult life in Mechanicsville, VA and loved the area and people, he always considered himself a "Phoebus Boy." He hopes his friend John Lender will raise a beer for him when the Phoebus Boys gather at Mama Rosas. Per Mike's request there will be no funeral. His body will be cremated and his ashes will be spread in Mill Creek, where he played and crabbed as a kid. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.