Robert "Bobby" W. Nelms

Robert “Bobby” W. Nelms, 64, of Suffolk, VA passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021 after a brief illness.  He was the son of Barbara Bradshaw Nelms and the late Robert Langley Nelms.  Bobby is survived by his bride of 31 years Elizabeth “Liz” Harrell Nelms; daughters, Sarah N. Brock (EJ) and Ashley; sons, J. W. Hogan (Renee) and Bill Hogan (Teresa) grandchildren, Reese, Alana, Thomas, Riley, Liv, Dylan and Ezrah; a brother, David B. Nelms (Molly).

Bobby was true public servant, he joined the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department as a teenager, where he was lifelong member.  He had a passion for helping others leading him to also join the Nansemond Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, where he was also a life member, and past Chief.  Bobby enjoyed a long career working for Lipton Tea in Suffolk until his retirement, when he chose to pursue a full-time career in EMS, he was the second employee hired by Isle of Wight County in the Department of Emergency Services.  Stationed at the Isle of Wight Rescue Squad he became affectionately known as the “Station Dad”. Bobby found his daily reward in helping others, he was a mentor to many generations of EMS providers in Suffolk and Isle of Wight. He also worked for many years as a tech in the Emergency Department at Obici Hospital. After a rewarding career in Isle of Wight, Bobby and Liz relocated to Fries, VA, where he immediately continued his dedication to community by joining the Fries Volunteer Fire Department and the Independence Volunteer Rescue Squad. 

Bobby had a love of the outdoors, he with his bride Liz, built their dream home in Fries after his retirement from Isle of Wight. There they enjoyed the opportunity and freedom to ride ATV’S, explore the mountain trails and especially his interest in guns and competitive shooting sports.  He loved his bride and cherished the opportunity to spend time with her, his children, grandchildren and many friends.  He never forgot where home was, always checking in when coming back to visit and catching as many lunches out with friends as he could.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021, 6 p.m. at High Country Services Funeral and Cremation in Galax, VA.

A memorial service will be held at Harvest Fellowship Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.  Following the service we will proceed to Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad where fire department honors will be rendered.  A reception will be held at the squad immediately following the ceremonies. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to the Fries Volunteer Fire Department, P O Box 9, Fries, VA 24330 or the Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad, P O Box 97, Smithfield, VA 23431.  

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.

All those that have a "Bobby" story or picture, please forward them to [email protected] so that they may be shared with the family.