Obituary - Barrett Glinn Nelson

Barrett Glinn Nelson, affectionately known as “BG” or “Big Glorious,” passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 51. Born on October 23, 1974, he was a lifelong resident of Varina, Virginia, and lived a full and spirited life rooted in love, laughter, and loyalty.

Barrett was deeply devoted to his wife, Rhonda Pope Nelson, with whom he shared 29 years of marriage. His family meant everything to him, and he took great pride in the life they built together.

In addition to his wife, Barrett is survived by his two daughters, Makala Anne Bryant and her husband Dylan, and Gracie Leigh Nelson. He is also survived by his parents, Pamela Morgan Nelson and Robert Francis Nelson Jr. (“Bob”), as well as his brothers, Robert Francis “Robbie” Nelson III and his wife Delinda, and Morgan Scott Nelson.

His extended family includes his mother-in-law, Pamela Pope; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Pope; and brother-in-law, James W. Pope, his wife Ashby, and their son AJ. He is also survived by his nephew, Cody Nelson, and his wife Lindsay; his niece, Libby, and her husband Adam Holbrook; and his nephew, Scotch Nelson. Additionally, he is survived by his aunts, Bonnie Morgan Iseman and Molly Morgan Nanna (Kevin), and his uncle, Kelby Morgan. He will also be missed by his beloved canine companion, Izzy.

For the past 19 years, Barrett was the proud owner and operator of B.G. Nelson Inc., an excavation contracting company. He poured his heart into his work and built a strong reputation for reliability, grit, and honesty. His dedication to his business reflected the same values he lived by in his personal life.

Barrett was known for his magnetic personality and wide circle of friends. Outgoing and endlessly generous, he was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back—though he’d likely choose the one with a rip up the side, claiming it was “broken in just right.”

He had a sharp wit and an unfiltered, “tell-it-like-it-is” way of speaking, often punctuated with a few colorful words for emphasis. His sense of humor was bold and contagious, and his favorite moments were spent gathered around his handmade smoker, surrounded by family and friends, telling stories by the fire. He also cherished his time hunting and fishing, finding peace and joy in the outdoors.

Barrett was proud of who he was—down-to-earth, genuine, and completely unapologetic about it. He valued simple things, lived true to himself, and found joy in bringing people together through food, laughter, and loyalty.

In true Barrett fashion, he made his final wishes clear: “If you have a funeral, I’ll come back and haunt you.” Honoring his request, there will be a visitation and viewing on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23231, followed by a celebration of life around a bonfire at his home.

Barrett’s spirit will live on in the countless stories shared by those who knew and loved him. He was truly one of a kind.