Hosea Nelson Cardwell

He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. Now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him on that day—and not only to him, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Hosea Nelson Cardwell, 84, of Lynchburg, VA entered eternal rest surrounded by loved ones on May 1, 2025. He was born on July 5, 1940, in Rayle, Georgia to Annie Walton Cardwell and Charles Nelson Cardwell but grew up in a small coal mining community called Wyco in Wyoming County, West VA. He enjoyed spending time with the family working alongside his dad and brothers in the garden, raising chickens, and bringing in coal for the school. One of his favorite times in Wyco was cutting down the Christmas tree, a tradition he carried with him in later years. In 1953, at 13 years old, the family moved to Lynchburg, VA where the city became his forever home.

At the age of 20, Hosea entered the United States Navy, serving four years active duty and two years inactive (reserved), with his basic training in Pensacola, FL and Corpus Christi, TX. He was stationed in Norfolk, VA where he served on the Utility Squadron flying drones for all ships out of Little Creek Amphibious Base, Damn Neck (VA Beach). Hosea also served at other naval bases in Bermuda, and other islands. One of his duties as a jet mechanic was monitoring the firing of missiles at the drones.

An exciting moment for him was standing by, at the ready, for the ship to pick up Astronaut John Glen, from the splashdown after circling the earth in a capsule when Russia sent up a satellite called Sputnik. They were only 30 miles away from the splash site, when a closer ship seized that moment. After an exciting stint with the Navy, Hosea returned home to work at N&W Textile and then later the Lynchburg Foundry making $1.25 hour. Not bad during that time. He stayed there for about 20 years before retiring with enough money to sustain himself without working for another employer.

Hosea was a devoted son and brother. He never married or had children of his own, but he poured his heart into being the kind of uncle every kid dreams of. He loved his nieces and nephews like they were his own — cutting down Christmas trees with them, playing Santa Claus, always having a pocket full of candy, and planning fun trips to amusement parks. He was there for the big moments too: walking nieces down the aisle, cheering at graduations, and always showing up with love and pride. He had a quiet, steady way of caring for people — making sure his mom was always well taken care of, and never hesitating to help anyone who needed it, no matter what was asked of him. Hosea loved to read, and he shared that love by passing on wisdom and advice in ways that truly stuck. He was our family’s storyteller and photographer, the one who kept us connected and reminded us where we came from.

Most importantly, Hosea loved the Lord. A former member of Dearington Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, his faith was the foundation of his life. The Bible was his constant companion and guide—he knew it well and leaned on it always, calling on the Lord in both joy and hardship, right up until the very end. His faith shaped the way he lived and how he loved, blessing all of us with his strength, kindness, and wisdom. Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit remains. Hosea left behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion that will never be forgotten.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Joyce Kinney Thompson who faithfully cared for him and stood by his side; sisters-in-laws Louise Cardwell and Anne Hull; nieces and nephews: Michelle Garrison (Les), Tracy Hubbard (Keith), Kevin Cardwell, Danielle Cardwell (Red), Daniel Cardwell, Jr., Deva Cardwell Baugh (Derrick), Joe Cardwell Jr. (Elvira), Roman Cardwell, Katrina Anderson, Sarita Cardwell and Octavia Jones; A devoted great-niece, Marchelle Patterson, who loved him beyond measure and was a tremendous support during his illness; a devoted childhood friend, Spencer Braxton; and a host of other great nieces and nephews, relatives, and close friends who were touched by his love.

Hosea is preceded in death by his parents, Annie Walton Cardwell and Charles Nelson Cardwell; his brothers Grady Hull (first wife Barbara), Samuel (Roxie), Charlie (Arwilla), James (Colene), Daniel, and Joseph Cardwell; Sister-in-Law Patricia Cardwell; his nieces Tania Jones (James), and Eva Cardwell and his beloved nephew, Leon Cardwell.

Gone from this world, but forever in our hearts. Until we meet again.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 10th, 2025 at 11:00 am at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.