Robert Nelson Goodwin

R. Nelson Goodwin

Robert Nelson Goodwin, born to James Warren Goodwin and Mildred Henderson Goodwin on November 1, 1933 in Nelson County, VA, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family, on March 21, 2025.

He is predeceased by his wife of 70 years (by exactly one year), the love of his life, Emma Wright Goodwin. They were married on June 5, 1953 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Roseland, Virginia.

He is survived by four children, Deborah G. Nicely (Harold), Susan G. Angus (Sam), Robert Nelson Goodwin, Jr. (Wanda) and James Walton Goodwin (Darlene). Also surviving him are twelve grandchildren, Tracey Valance, William Nicely, Mick Angus, Michelle Alger, Samantha Turner, Eric and Tony Lowrey, Robert Goodwin, III, Jenifer Stout, Brandon Swan and Brian and Ashleigh Goodwin. Nelson is also survived by twenty-one great grandchildren, Aubrey and Gavin Nicely, Amber Alger, Xander Arbaugh Turner, Emma Pearl Turner, Isaiah, Josiah, Parker and Madison Lowrey, Cadance and Caileb Adams, Dakota Goodwin, Colton Suttles, Ashlyn, Peyton, Taylor and Charlotte Stout, Alexis and Liam Swan, Brooke and Garrett Goodwin.

He survived by one brother-in-law, John Howard Wright, sister-in-law, Shirley Wright, sister-in-law, Elizabeth Goodwin and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, James Warren (JW) Goodwin, Jr., Charles Goodwin and Carmel Goodwin.

Nelson retired from C&P Telephone Company (now Verizon) in 1989 after a 38-year career. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers and Nelson United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee. He and Emma spent the majority of their retirement back on the family farm, enjoying the beauty of the Nelson County mountains. They enjoyed years of traveling and being active in their church. Nelson was a wise man, with a very generous personality. He touched many lives and anyone who knew Nelson, loved and respected him greatly.

A graveside service will be conducted March 25, 2025 at 1 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 475 Oak Ridge Rd., Arrington, VA 22922 with the Rev. Dr. Edwin Clever and the Rev. Debbie Powell officiating. A reception will follow at Nelson UMC, 5239 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Arrington, VA 22922.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel of Lovingston, VA. (434-263-4097).

The family would like to extend special thanks to the James River Hospice nurses, aides and administrators (Gretna, Ashley, Alesha, Holly, Daneeka, Ladasha, Emily, Shantell and Octavia) for their passionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the building fund at his home church, Nelson United Methodist Church, 5239 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Arrington, VA 22922.