Retired Lt. General W.R. "Dick" Nelson, 82, of Gulf Shores, Ala., whose distinguished U.S. Air Force career spanned 35 years from the closing days of World War II through Vietnam and the Cold War days, died early Friday morning, Oct. 3, 2008.

After retirement, General Nelson became the head of the Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ and was a member of The Executive Leadership Council. He was a graduate of Indiana University and received a master's degree from George Washington University.

General Nelson is survived by his wife, Donna Barnes Nelson; three children, Catherine Fry (husband John), Steve Nelson (partner Brian) and Lynn Unruh (husband Charlie); and Donna's four daughters and families. He was also survived by his 12 grandchildren.

He was born in Lebanon and grew up here.

General Nelson's highly decorated Air Force career began in June, 1949, and ended with his retirement at the end of May, 1983. At that time he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Vietnam Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal and many other honors. His career included a number of command positions.

Prior to retirement, General Nelson was Commander of the 12th Air Force (Tactical Command), Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas. His career also included the position of Vice Commander of the 16th Air Force with headquarters at Torrejon Air Base, Spain.

He flew 160 combat missions in F-4 Phantoms during his tour of duty with the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at Da Nang Air Base, and he also flew 39 combat missions in F-111s when he was deployed to Takhli Royal Air Force Base, Thailand.

General Nelson lived in Craft Farms in Gulf Shores, where he enjoyed playing golf, traveling and spending time with family and friends. He was an active member of Grace Fellowship Church (PCA) in Gulf Shores.

The family of General Nelson will be receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Pine Rest Funeral Home in Foley, Ala. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Grace Fellowship Church (PCA) in Gulf Shores. Interment will follow the funeral service at Barrancus National Cemetery, Pensacola, Fla. at 12:30 p.m.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Grace Fellowship Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 3194, Gulf Shores, AL 36547, or a charity of the donor's choice.