Dr. Russell William Nelson

Beloved husband, father, and “Pop Pop” Russell William Nelson, 73, of Nashville, TN, formerly of Westlake Village, CA went to be with the Lord on November 14, 2025 surrounded by his family in Nashville after a two month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Russ was born in Belvidere, Illinois on January 7, 1952 to parents Everett “Ozzie” and Thelma “June” Nelson. He graduated from Belvidere High School in the class of 1970, attended University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, and studied at Rush Medical College where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree. After graduation, he moved from Illinois to California to complete his internship and residency at UC San Francisco, where he was inspired to pursue a fellowship in Orthopedic Spine Surgery. His career took him to the Los Angeles area, where he practiced medicine for over 40 years. He was a leader in spine surgery innovation, healed countless patients, completed innumerable successful operations, and served his community with his healthcare gifts and knowledge.

By his side through his life and achievements was the love of his life, his wife Dawn Kathy Nelson. They met on the dance floor in July of 1984, got engaged on a ski trip on New Years Eve of 1984, and married September 21, 1985. They spent the next 40 years of marriage raising their five children in Westlake Village, CA and traveling to all seven continents together. Most notably, their adventures included hiking Machu Picchu, going on an African safari, seeing baby penguins in Antarctica, and tracing the steps of Jesus’ life and teachings in Israel where Russ decided to be baptized in the Jordan River. They spent the last 7 years of their marriage treasuring time spent with their grandchildren, who adore their Pop Pop. He was known for jumping right into playing with the kids, whether building block towers or covering himself with stickers or dressing up in a silly costume, he embraced every moment and will forever live on in their hearts.

In his rare free time, Russ loved playing golf, skiing with friends and family, traveling the world, collecting wine, and rooting for the LA Kings, LA Lakers, the 49ers, and the San Francisco Giants. Prior to starting a family, one of his passions was racing and breeding race horses. His golf highlights included getting a hole in one at Sherwood Country Club and scored an 83 this September following his diagnosis.

He will be deeply missed by those who have survived him, including his wife Dawn Kathy Nelson, his five children Kylie Morgan Nelson, Alexandra Cole Nelson (Kyle), Landon Stephen Westrom (McKenzie), Taylor Nancy Williams (Edward), and Hayley Dawn Nelson, his seven grandchildren Sadie Catherine Westrom, Tyler Landon Westrom, Clay Russell Westrom, Walker George Williams, Violet June Williams, Sunday Cole Nelson Provo, Indigo Dawn Nelson Provo, his Aunt Dorothy Fairgrieves, his cousins Barbara Allen, Carol Zarzynski, Bruce Campbell, Jill Countryman, and several other family members, friends and friends he considered family. We are comforted by the knowledge that he is spending eternity with his Savior Jesus Christ, and with loved ones who passed before him, his parents Ozzie and June Nelson, and his sister Nancy June Nelson.

There will be a Celebration of Life service at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, CA on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org). “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬