Robert Nelson Garnett Jr., 64, passed away on February 20, 2026 in Newport News, Virginia.
Robert Nelson Garnett Jr. (known as Nelson by most) was born on January 16, 1962 in Mathews, Virginia, to Robert Garnett Sr. and Josephine Parker Garnett. He graduated from Mathews High School in 1980 after playing high school football while working various jobs to include delivering newspapers and working at HYCO service station in Mathews. Nelson moved to Newport News, Virginia with his son Troy as a single father, to work as a valued and skilled automotive mechanic for Casey Auto Group, Hampton Pontiac, and Pep Boys for over 39 years in total.
Although a resident of Newport News, Virginia, Nelson kept close ties to the Gloucester and Mathews communities. Nelson was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. Everyone that met Nelson knew he always had a big smile on his face, loved his son and grandchildren beyond words, and family meant everything to him. Nelson treasured time with those he loved, traveling and exploring new places, and his love of cars was undeniable.
Nelson is preceded in rest and now reunited with: his parents, Robert Garnett Sr. and Josephine Parker Gurley; his three brothers, William “Shorty” Garnett, Richard Todd Garnett, and John Wayne Garnett. He is survived by his loving son, Troy Allen Garnett; daughter-in-law, Jessie Leigh Garnett; grandson, Broedy Austin Garnett; granddaughter, Annie Leigh Garnett; and other extended family members and close friends.
The family of Robert Nelson Garnett Jr. would love to have any photographs and videos of Nelson for keepsake shared to the digital memorial link through the funeral home.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 4-6 p.m., at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, located at 2551 North Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia, 23666, for a visitation.
A Celebration of Life graveside gervice will be conducted at Parklawn Memorial Park, also at 2551 North Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia 23666, on Monday, March 2, 2026, starting at 11 a.m.