Samuel Oscar “Sonny” Nelson, 66 of Chesapeake passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Dozoretz Hospice House of Hampton Roads in Virginia Beach.

He was born on December 5, 1957, in Kodiak, Alaska and is preceded by his parents, Marilyn and William Stout and his grandmother Agnes Beaty.

Sonny is survived by his wife Sharon of 28 years, stepchildren Mike (Shannon), Lynn (Aaron), and Kristy (Edwin), step grandchildren Katelyn (Kyle), Remielle, and Reyan. He is also survived by his sisters Lisa (Bruce), Terisa (Steve), and brother William (Deb), nieces Ashley, Libby (Robert), and nephew Spencer (Victoria) and their children, Myles, Adlee, Sophia, Robert, Hyatt, Evelyn, and many uncles and aunts.

Sonny was a retired Navy Veteran who proudly served his country for 20 years in his childhood dream job…an aircraft electrician. He continued serving for another 22 years through government contract work for the military. He completed his basic training at RTC Great Lakes, MI. He then went on to serve on the USS Forrestal, CV59, NAS Jacksonville, USS John F. Kennedy, CV67 (two tours), NAS Norfolk, and NAS Oceana. He was a humble, loyal, and proud American.

He loved football and was an avid Raiders fan after watching his very first live NFL game as a young boy. Some of his other passions include building aircraft carrier models, astronomy, running, and traveling the world in the Navy.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 4 th from 3pm to 5pm at the Altmeyer Funeral Home in Chesapeake. Gravesite burial with Military Honors will be held at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery 10:00 AM Thursday, December 12, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any donations be made in support of the Dozoretz Hospice House of Hampton Roads which provided excellent care to Sonny. The family will be forever grateful for their kindness, support, and guidance during Sonny’s final days.