Dr. Harry Nelson Gustin III, known to all as “Nelson,” 74, of Winchester, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026, at The Willows in Winchester, surrounded by his loving family.

Nelson was born on October 7, 1952, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Harry Nelson Gustin II and Esther Grace (Callaham) Gustin. He grew up in Norfolk and graduated from Granby High School in 1970. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hampden-Sydney College and went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Virginia in 1978.

On August 9, 1980, Nelson married the love of his life, Dr. Katherine (Hawkins) Gustin, in Falls Church, Virginia. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

Devoted to healing and serving his community, Nelson worked as an emergency physician in St. Albans, Vermont, from 1982 to 1984 before he and Katherine settled in Winchester. There he spent 36 rewarding years as a family physician with Amherst Family Practice, caring for generations of local families until his retirement.

Nelson was as respected by his colleagues and community as he was adored by his children and grandchildren, who delighted in his wonderfully silly sense of humor. He will be remembered for his calming presence, his kindness to all, his abiding love of the natural world, his unwavering optimism, and his spirit of adventure.

Faith was central to Nelson’s life. He was a devoted member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church in Winchester, where he also pitched with enthusiasm for the church league softball team. A gifted singer with a rich bass voice, he shared his talent with Winchester Musica Viva and the Winchester Arts Chorale. Nelson believed deeply in giving back. He was an original board member of Winchester City Lights and volunteered his time at the Free Medical Clinic of Winchester and the Highland Food Pantry. An avid runner, he looked forward each year to the Apple Blossom 10K, where he often placed in his age group. He also loved music, film, history, and science and was known for his perfectly curated playlists and exquisite taste.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Dr. Katherine Gustin; his children, Emily Jean Gustin and David Nelson Gustin (Allison); his cherished grandchildren, Wright Harry Gustin and George Mayer Gustin; his brothers, Thomas Gustin (Phyllis) and James Gustin (Karmen); his sisters-in-law, Tina Gustin and Robin Maymar (Milan); his cousin, Elizabeth Viti; and his loving nieces and nephews, Tyler Gustin, Grant Gustin, Grace Barthold, Aidan Gustin, Sarah Hood, and Jacob Maymar.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 3pm at First Presbyterian Church in Winchester, with Pastor Evan Smith officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nelson’s memory to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (secure.cbf.org) or the Potomac Appalachian Mountain Club (outdoors.org).