He was born on September 13, 1948, to Robert Willis Nelsen Jr. and Elaine Marion Vest in Richmond VA. Although he spent most of his life in the Richmond, VA area, he did live in Roanoke, VA, and in Texas for brief periods as a child. He was the eldest and only son of three children.
He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1966 and attended 1.5 years at VCU before enlisting in the Coast Guard in 1968. He served his duration out of Norfolk, VA on the USCGC Absecon, where he worked as an electronics technician. He was honorably discharged in 1972.
His passions were carpentry, renovations, and the beach. He also loved music and reading. He retired in Fort Myers, FL, after a long career and upper management IT. As a teen, he earned his Eagle Scout badge and was featured in the local paper receiving his medal.
He is survived by his daughters, Traci Nelsen and Jennifer Verser; grandchildren, Hayley, Gulotta, Brandon Verser, Annalee Verser; and his two siblings, Beth Covington and Kathy Griffin.
A private memorial service will be held to honor his memory.
