John Linwood Nelson, 85 of Scotland, MD died March 8, 2007 at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC.

He was born May 12, 1921 in Ridge, MD to the late John Carter Nelson and Sabrie Moore Nelson.

Serving in the U.S. Army from 1940 through 1945, he was a combat infantryman during WWII and attained the final rank of Staff Sergeant. Among his decorations are the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a Presidential Unit Citation that he earned while serving with the 37th Infantry Division during the Battle of Manilla.

He lived and worked in Washington, DC and Rockville, MD before opening his own business, Ridge Texaco Service in 1961, which he owned and operated until he retired in 1986.

He is survived by his children; Roberta N. Reeves of Lusby, MD, Michael L. Nelson (Gerrie) of Vienna, VA and John E. "Ric" Nelson (Mary) of Reston, VA, five grandchildren; Jessica Porter (Conor), Ben Reeves, Josh Nelson, Jeremy Nelson and Anthony Nelson, great-granddaughter, Anna Victoria Porter and brother, Harry C. Wright (Lucille) of Ridge, MD.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Victoria Coccia Nelson, sister, Betty Stein and brothers, Roger, Louis and Ralph Messick.

There will be a gathering of friends on Thursday, March 15, 2007 at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 from 5 – 8 p.m. with a Memorial Service starting at 7:00 p.m. Reverend Eamon Dignan will officiate. Interment will be private.

In memory of John Linwood Nelson memorial contributions may be made to Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 520, Ridge, MD 20680 and/or St. Michael's Catholic Church and School, P.O. Box 429, Ridge, MD 20680.

Arrangements are being handled by Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650.