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William Nelson Fletcher, Sr.
1941 - 2022
BORN
1941
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
William Fletcher, Sr. Obituary
William Nelson Fletcher, Sr (Nelson), 81, passed away on November 26th, 2022 at his home in Gloucester, VA, surrounded by loved ones. He was born and lived his entire life in Gloucester. He will be remembered by many as the owner of Belroi Agility and Obedience Center.
He is survived by his wife Emily of 61 years and sisters Bertie West and Faye Burris. He had three children and five grandchildren: Bill Fletcher and wife Julie of Virginia Beach (Elizabeth, Jeffrey, and Christopher), Tracy Fletcher of Cary, NC, and Kathy Walters and husband Dave of Havelock, NC (David and Katie).
Nelson retired from Yorktown Naval Weapons Station in 1995 with 36 years of service. He will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, devotion to family, building/running Gallopond Campground and pioneering the sport of dog agility. He began his agility career by building gymkhana equipment for the State Fair 4-H dog show in the 80’s which led him to his lifelong love of building agility equipment for others and becoming one of the first UKC and AKC judges on the East Coast and showing in his last agility show at the age of 81. In the early 90’s, he and Emily opened the Belroi Agility and Obedience Center which hosted many UKC and AKC Agility trials, and UKC Obedience trials. Nelson and Emily taught dog obedience and agility classes for over forty years, even loading a trailer with the agility equipment to go to clubs to introduce them to agility. Whether it was building equipment, hosting trials, or mentoring new exhibitors, he was a constant presence in the agility community.
Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, VA is in charge of arrangements. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Bellamy United Methodist Church with visitation at noon and services at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to AKC Canine Health Foundation.
Memories and Condolences
for William Fletcher, Sr.
LARRY KNIGHT
February 19, 2024
I am saddened that Emily lost Nelson. I recall that he was great help to my Uncle John building the Gallapond Campgrounds. I just got this message from my cousin Winston Mathews.
Lourdes Parker
December 17, 2022
Dear Emily, We were so sorry to hear of Nelson's passing. We was a wonderful person who loved his dogs and was a great trainer. We send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Lourdes and Don Parker, owners of Lupita
Cindy Virostek
December 4, 2022
There are no words of how you impacted Allen and my lives. I am so sorry to just learn of this today, the 4th of Dec. Emily and Family thank you so much for being the kind people you are. Prayers from Allen and Cindy V.
Sonja
December 2, 2022
Dear Emily and family, Nelson was a good man and I'm sorry for your loss. Sonja
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carol denny
December 2, 2022
So much respect and admiration for Nelson, he gave good advice and sometimes the reality check that was needed to many in the agility community. His, and Emilys kindness in welcoming so many to come play and train will never be forgotten. He will be missed and he will be remembered.
Mary & Tony Sweany
December 1, 2022
So very sorry to hear of Nelson's passing. His dedication to the dog world and love of dog sports made an impact on Tony and I over the past 25 years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Emily and the family during this difficult time.
Jane Isabelle
December 1, 2022
Although I never “showed” in Agility (I do love the sport and help at all my dog clubs trials) I truly admired Nelson for his love of the sport and how he would help anyone that asked. He was a remarkable man who left a HUGE mark on the sport of Agility and he will be missed. My condolences to Emily, Tracy and the rest of his family and friends.
Ginger Rowe
November 30, 2022
I had no idea about Nelson's health until I saw you last week, Emily. He was a fine man always and you had a good life together. I know E.J. will be glad to welcome his old friend to Heaven and they are probably laughing, telling stories by now. I send my deepest sympathy and love to you and your family. Knowing that I will see my husband and stroll across Heaven with him someday, brings me great comfort. This is not the end of life together! God bless, Ginger Rowe
Cindy Deubler
November 30, 2022
It was a great agility trial when I'd get to see Nelson and Emily. Lots of fun during a time when so many of us were learning about the sport and getting to try new experiences. Sheltie Nationals were a special memory. Condolences to the entire Fletcher family. Agility trials definitely aren't the same without him
Nancy Akers
November 30, 2022
Although I only met Mr. Fletcher a few times, he was always so kind and such a gentleman. His influence and contributions to the sport of agility are unmeasurable. The whole agility community is mourning Mr. Fletcher’s loss. But we are thankful that his son, Tracy, is walking in his foot steps and continuing to contribute so much to agility.
Roger and my prayers are with you all.
Cathy Dodgen
November 30, 2022
Nelson was friend, mentor, and teacher to many dog enthusiasts over the past four decades. He was quiet, so it behooved us to listen to what he had to say when he offered advice and encouragement. He had a wry sense of humor and would offer comments that would lighten up even stressful situations. I will always cherish his friendship and advice and will remember him as he was so often on his tractor, or in the agility ring working with someone, smiling and waving to me as I drove by on my way to the training building. It sure won't be the same at Belroi without him, and I am so sorry for the huge loss in the lives of Emily, Tracy, and the rest of the Fletcher clan.
Jean Conroy
November 30, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Robin Early
November 29, 2022
Tracy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Our loved ones live on in our hearts and memories.
betsy smith
November 29, 2022
Nelson was one of kind and i am so very happy that knew him and had many conversations with him over the years at agility trials... loved his dry sense of humor his easy wit and his sly smile... i am so very sorry for the loss of such a great person, my thoughts and prayers are with the family
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Andrews Funeral Home - Gloucester7192 Main Street P.O. Box 976, Gloucester, VA 23061