David Nelson, Founder & Owner at Caring Pet Cremation Services

David Nelson has been a licensed funeral director in Virginia for more than 35 years. A pet owner since childhood, David understands how the loss of a pet impacts a family. He received his first pet, a Collie/Shepherd mix puppy, when he was six years old. Despite bringing home a baby skunk thinking it was a kitten the following year, David’s love of animals has never faltered. He and his wife, Michele, are proud parents of a Golden Retriever, a rescued Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix and a calico cat.

A graduate of John Tyler Community College’s Funeral Services Program with an associate degree in mortuary science, David has been a licensed funeral director since 1979 and a licensed insurance agent, Virginia for Life, Health and Annuities, since 1999. He also has completed specialized training and annual continuing education courses in advanced funeral planning, grief and bereavement, after care, pet loss, cremation, ethics and OSHA.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, David supports Dogs On Call and the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has led numerous fundraisers for the Newport News Ruritan Club, visited nursing homes, churches and individuals as Santa’s helper for 25 years, and is a supporter of the King William Regional Animal Shelter.

An avid saxophone player, David is a founder and member of the Capitol Cookout Band, a friend of King William High School Jazz Band, and founder and member of the King William County Community Band. He also volunteers with the King William Public Schools Education Foundation and is a member and saxophonist at Shalom Baptist Church. David has been a small business owner for 34 years and is excited to combine his love of animals and business acumen through Caring Pet Cremation Services, Inc.