James Richard "Ricky" Nelson
James Richard "Ricky" Nelson, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, died peacefully on January 12, 2024, in Ooltewah, Tennessee, at the age 75.
A Chattanooga Valley native, Ricky settled in Ooltewah and married Frieda where they lived for 40+ years raising a family and enjoying their grandchildren. He graduated from Chattanooga State and earned his certification as an electrician and proceeded to work in the tufting industry.
Ricky was a loyal employee as he only ever worked for one employer during his entire 20 years of working as an electrician.
Ricky was best known for his quick-witted humor telling of various shenanigans, he always wanted to leave you laughing. Ricky’s tour of duty in Vietnam left a lasting impact on his life, yet he never left the house without representation of being a Marine via a hat or T-shirt. He was proud of his service and continued to fly the American flag at his house through his last days.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frieda Ann Nelson, and siblings, Carolyn Cordell and Larry Nelson.
Ricky is survived by his sons, Lance (Joyce) Nelson, Ron (Denise) Nelson, Mark (Susan) Leamon and Ben (Traci) Nelson; grandchildren, Kirsten, Rebecca, Patrick, Jake, Andrew and Austin, and great-grandchildren, and brother, Clarence “Kelly” Nelson.
The family will receive friends from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share condolences and view the video tribute.
Arrangements are entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel.