The Rev. Nelson Charles Woody

April 16, 1929 - February 14, 2022

The Rev. Nelson Charles Woody of Bristol, VA, passed away on February 14, 2022, at The Waters Lakebridge in Johnson City. He was born in Edgewood, MD on April 16, 1929, to Wythe B. and Minnie Parks Woody. Soon thereafter they moved home to Smyth County, VA. Nelson graduated from Marion Senior High School in 1946, Hiwassee College, Emory and Henry College and the Theological School at Drew University in New Jersey, where he met his wife, Ruth. Nelson felt the call to Christian ministry in his high school years and was licensed to preach at the age of seventeen. He was a Member of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church for seventy years. His pastoral appointments included Bradley Street (now St. Luke Methodist, Bristol, VA) as a student pastor. After Theological School, he was appointed Associate Pastor at First Methodist Church in Bristol, TN; Elk Creek Circuit, Elk Creek, VA; Baker’s Chapel (now Pleasant View)-Wyndale, in Virginia, Norwood Methodist in Knoxville, TN; Lookout Mountain Methodist, Lookout Mountain, GA; First United Methodist, Galax, VA; Kingsport District Superintendent; First United Methodist, Maryville, TN; and State Street UMC in Bristol, VA, from which he retired. He was predeceased by his parents, and his sisters, Virginia Counts and Lois Revie. He is survived by his wife, of sixty-six years, Ruth; his son Nelson Douglas Woody (Tonya) and grandsons Benjamin, Evan and Carter; his daughter Nancy Woody McManus (John); and his son David S Woody (Angee) and granddaughters, Rachel and Laura. Nelson was a lifelong sports fan, and he especially loved the St. Louis Cardinals and the UT Vols. He was a voracious reader with a keen interest in history. His sense of humor and his knack for telling stories brightened the lives of everyone who knew him. This was evident in his preaching, which he loved to do. He loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 beginning at 4:00 PM at State Street United Methodist Church (650 Valley Dr.; Bristol, VA, 24201). A funeral service will follow beginning at 5:00 PM with Reverends Laura Rasor, Jane Taylor and Jeffery Wright officiating. A committal service will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Holston Conference Cemetery (30461 Garnand Dr., Emory, VA, 24327) with Nelson Douglas Woody, David Woody, Benjamin Woody, Evan Woody, Carter Woody and John McManus serving as pallbearers and the pastors of the Holston Conference serving as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Nelson, please make a contribution to State Street UMC, 650 Valley Dr., Bristol, VA, 24201, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to the Woody family at www.blevinscares.com Blevins Funeral Home and Cremation Services has the honor of serving the Woody family.