James “Jay” Elton Nester

February 23, 1934 – May 11, 2026

Jay Nester, age 92 of Dugspur, passed away peacefully at Hillsville Health and Rehabilitation Center on May 11, 2026. Jay was a loving and caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who had a special place in each family member’s heart. He retired from Archie’s Garage in Dugspur, where he worked for 46 years before retiring to work on his farm. His happiest times were spent enjoying the outdoors and driving his tractors, where throughout the years he built fence, cut firewood, saw-milled, raised cattle, baled hay, and plowed snow. He simply enjoyed his life while chewing tobacco and sharing conversation under a shade tree with passerby neighbors, friends and family. He attended Mitchell Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church in Dugspur and he was well known in the community.

Mr. Nester was born on February 23, 1934 to the late Luther Wyatt Nester and Rosa “Rosie” Newman Nester. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years; Tina Phillips Nester, brother; Melton Nester, and grandson; Patrick James “PJ” Dalton.

He is survived by his two daughters and spouses; Cathy Dalton (Ronnie), Karen Cruise (Odell), one grandson; Stephen Dalton (Avery); two great-granddaughters; Savannah Dalton and Scarlett Dalton, sister; Reba Nester Ratliff, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Special cousins are Ilene Newman Peters and Shelby Jean Newman Beasley.

A graveside service with burial will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Nathan Phillips officiating at the Mitchell Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery, 821 Indian Valley Road, Dugspur, VA. The family request no food be brought to the home, but a meal will be provided following the service in the church fellowship hall for family and friends to gather. The family would like to thank all of the staff and residents at Hillsville Health and Rehab for their health care, support, and love shown to Jay and his family through his final journey. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.