Nelson Leon Moore, 67, of Petersburg, Virginia, passed away on January 6, 2026. He was born on February 8, 1958, to Pauline Moore and the late Hampton Moore.

Nelson received his education through the Petersburg Public School System. He served in the United States Army and later in life became an employee of Hill Phoenix.

Nelson was a devoted son, loving brother, proud father, and cherished grandfather. A United States Army Veteran, he served his country with honor and carried that same strength and loyalty into every part of his life.

Known throughout the community as a favorite to many, Nelson had a magnetic personality. He was truly the life of the party - full of laughter, charm and unforgettable stories. His warm spirit, confidence, and love for people made him someone others were naturally drawn to, especially the ladies. He definitely was a ladies' man. He had a way of making every room brighter and every gathering better simply by being present. Above all, Nelson treasured family. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and loved deeply in his own way.

His legacy lives on in the memories he created, the laughter he shared, and countless lives he touched.

Nelson was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Rosa Moore; father, Hampton Moore; uncles, William Jr., John, James, Bernard and Charles Moore; and his aunts, Christine and Rose.

Nelson leaves to cherish his everlasting memories to his mother who cared for him daily, Pauline Moore; sisters, Ernestine and Patricia Moore; children, Bernard McLaughlin, Darius Moore, Tamika Moore, Shankita Ruffin, Sharday Mason, Samone Ruffin (Aaron Heath), Marcus Ruffin and Derrick Stith; grandchildren, Nyrek Moore, LaDaisha Jones McLaughlin, Terrell Williams, Sean Slade, Jr., Ja'Kori Mason, Ja'Kye Mason, Ke'Miya Tilman, Sha'Zairia Slade, Madison Ruffin and Za'Mira Ruffin; niece, Elaine Moore; devoted friends, Teresa McLaughlin, Yvonne Lee, Felicia Ruffin, Anthony McDougan, Karl Jackson, Ricky Clark, Saint Wilkerson, Cantina Prosise, Brian Richardson, Vanessa Cowell and James Briggs; and a host of cousins, other relatives, extended family and friends.

Nelson Leon Moore will be remembered for his larger than life personality, his service to his country and love he gave his family, friends and community.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 16, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Herbert Holly II, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5644717?fl=so&fe=fs