Paul W. Nelson, 97, of Speculator, NY, passed away on Monday evening, January 22, 2024, with family at his side. He is survived by his wife, Doris; his three children, Barbara (Chuck) Hammel, Paul Jr, (Nancy) Nelson, and Rick (Melinda) Nelson; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He and Doris were only 5 days shy of their 74th wedding anniversary. He was a proud US Navy WWII veteran, who served in the Pacific as a gunner's mate on the USS LSM 427, an amphibious assault ship. He was on one of the first ships to enter Japan after the war. He clearly remembered being on the last ship in the convoys, crossing the Pacific Ocean on a slow 13 knot ship. Returning home to the Bronx, NY, Paul entered into the construction trades, eventually starting a construction company in Sparta, NJ, where he and Doris lived for over 30 years. He was very active with Lafayette Federated Church in Lafayette, NJ. After retiring, they moved to Speculator, NY and spent the next 30 years in the Adirondack Mountains. Paul loved to volunteer his time at Camp of the Woods, a Christian resort in Speculator. He and Doris were active members of North Country Bible Fellowship. During the past 19 months they have resided in Crozet, VA (near Charlottesville) at The Lodge at Old Trail, a senior living facility. He will be missed by his family, and many friends. A memorial service will be planned for some time in the future. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to either: North Country Bible Fellowship, 132 Elm Lake Road P.O. Box 441 Speculator, NY 12164 and/or Camp of the Woods c/o "Gospel Volunteers, Inc.", PO Box 250, Speculator, NY, 12164 An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.