Ard Raymond Wollett

Wollett, Ard Raymond, 88 of Sandston VA died September 17, 2017 peacefully at home holding his wife’s hand. He was born in the mountains of Mt. Union, PA. Ard was preceded in death by his father, Ard Powell Wollett; mother, Eva Wollett Spennati; and brother, William “Bill” Wollett. After he graduated from Mount Union HS, he worked for the PA Railroad at the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Later he was drafted into the Army and after completing his obligation, he returned home and decided to begin a new career and enrolled in Temple/Echols College of Mortuary Science. Ard worked at a couple of Funeral Homes from the Shenandoah Valley to Richmond before he was chosen to work for Nelsen Funeral Home, where he was employed for over 50 years, beginning at the Williamsburg Road Chapel on Fulton Hill in 1965. He worked for three generations of Nelsens and served many positions starting as a licensed director and later a manager, Vice President of Preparation Services and General Manager. Ard was a member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and holds “emeritus” status. He has been a licensed Funeral Director for over 60 years and is one of the Oldest Licensed Directors in the state of Virginia. He is a member of the Thomas N. Davis and the Varina Lodge Masons, Scottish Rite, Varina Lions Club, Sandston Moose, American Legion Post 233 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9808. Ard is also a member of Carlisle Avenue Baptist Church. Ard is survived by his wife Doris Taylor Wollett; his children, Margie Harrison, Missy Snyder, Debra Wollett, Virginia Howard and Tommy Burt; his grandson, Dwayne Snyder Jr.; great grandsons, Jason, Dylan and Tripp; his beloved pets, Zoe, Mr. Kitty and Pumpkin. Ard will always be remembered for his passion for serving families, his love for his wife, family, and little dog, Zoe, as well as his love for fly-fishing, neo-classic cars, and his herd of deer. Ard had a nickname for everyone and lived by the motto “if you want it done right, do it yourself.” The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 20, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., with a Masonic service at 7 p.m., at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23231. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 21, at 11 a.m. at Carlisle Ave. Baptist Church. Memorial donations may be made to Carlisle Ave. Baptist Church, 2010 Carlisle Ave., Richmond, VA 23231. Special thanks to the men and women of Nelsens that worked for him throughout the years for providing him the well-deserved respect and dignity. Thank you to the staff of Encompass Hospice, especially Carmen, Denise, Linda, and Alicia. Online condolences may be made at www.nelsenrichmond.com.