Richard Thomas Nelson, also affectionately known as Ricky Bobby by those closest to him, 66, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, after a brief illness. Ricky Bobby was born on May 11, 1959, in Riverside, California, to parents, Richard Dean and Eva Nelson. Being raised in Los Angeles, he naturally found a love for the outdoors. In his younger years, he found joy in motor crossing and surfing. Upon graduating high school, Richard served his country in the United States Coast Guard, saving countless lives in water rescues on the shorelines. He was truly a hero to many, including his family. He was a wonderful and devoted father and gained many bonus family members through meeting his soulmate, Lenda. Most recently, Ricky Bobby was employed with Danfoss as a forklift driver. It was there he met some of his most treasured friends.
Ricky Bobby is survived by his wife, Lenda Ogden; daughters, Janey and Autumn; son, Jubal; bonus children, Peter (Lora), Racheal (Matt), Trisha (Bobby), Kenny (Morgan), and Kristie (Darryl); grandchildren, Delisa-Mae, Sylvi, Sereda, Rashon, Shontrell, Dre, Niyah, Leelee, Samiyah, Lilly, Kaykay, Zion, and Lil Darryl; brother, Mike Nelson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Rick Nelson.
