Michael Christopher Nelson

Michael Christopher “Chris” Nelson, age 60, of Charlottesville, Virginia, peacefully passed away on May 8, 2026, at Martha Jefferson Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in Missouri on January 15, 1966, Chris was the beloved son of Anne Mercedes McPike Nelson and Michael Milton Nelson. He was the twin brother of Eric Nelson, who passed away too early in his 20s.
Chris was a man of many passions. He loved his dogs, enjoyed sitting in his rocking chair watching the birds, and was a talented chef who earned a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France.
Chris cherished his family deeply. He was a devoted husband to Tracy Bonynge Strange, with whom he shared 27 wonderful years of marriage, and a loving father to his daughter, Emily Elizabeth Nelson. He held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews: Abigail C. “Abby” Dennis, whom he embraced as an adopted daughter, Allison M. Morris, Edwin L. Strange III, and Sebastian Strange.
A private service will be held at a later date. Preddy Funeral Home of Gordonsville is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Bird Conservancy, 8255 E. Main St., Marshall, VA 20115, or www.abcbirds.org in honor of Chris’s love for the birds he so enjoyed watching
Chris will be remembered for his warm heart, gentle spirit, and the joy he found in the simple pleasures of life.