Frederick D. Nixon Jr.

Frederick Deleno Nixon Jr., a beloved husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, loyal friend, and phenomenal father, entered into eternal life on August 6, 2025.
Born on October 14, 1968, to Frederick and Mary Nixon in Portsmouth, Virginia, Fred was the younger brother of his only sister, Sherri Nixon. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Annie and Herbert Brown Sr., and his paternal grandparents, Otis Nixon Jr. and Sywillow Nixon.
A proud Portsmouth native, Fred attended Woodrow Wilson High School, where he was a member of the President's football team. Upon graduation, he went straight into the workforce. From delivering newspapers at age 12 to working at Norfolk Naval Base, Fred was always looking for the next opportunity. One of his fondest roles was serving as Crew Leader at Gwaltney of Portsmouth, where he worked alongside many family members for 14 years. He often shared stories of his time in the freezer department and the lifelong friendships he made there.
Fred later became a driver and owner-operator, hauling freight from the Ports of Norfolk and Portsmouth to the railroads in Chesapeake in his beloved truck, affectionately named The Bull. When his health forced him to step away from trucking, Fred's determination never wavered. He reinvented himself as a home improvement contractor, a career he enjoyed for over 20 years.
A walking miracle, Fred lived life on his terms for more than 26 years after his health challenges began-quietly providing for his family and many others without complaint. Those who knew him well knew Fred loved YouTube, movies, hats, and Westerns, and that his humor could keep you laughing for hours. He worked hard, laughed harder, and carried a sharp wit and a generous heart.
Fred shared a special 20-year bond with his nurse, Barbara Rumph, who cared for him faithfully until her retirement, encouraging him and covering him in prayer. He loved her dearly.
Above all, Fred was a family man and a praying man, starting each morning with, "Lord, I thank you." He was married to Robyn "Reese" Johnson-Nixon for over 31 years. Together they raised two children-Frederick D. Nixon III and Phylicia Nixon-and welcomed a bonus son, Corey. Fred beamed with pride when talking about his children's accomplishments.
He adored his nephews, Jeremy and Adrian, and bragged about the intelligence of his nieces-LeTia, Vanessa, and Ebony. He was a loving godfather to Rubrena Cooke-Johnson and Sanaa Harris, and "Uncle Fred" to countless children who passed through his home. Special bonds remained with Bryce Williams, Ricky "Champ" Dicus Jr., Ashley Horton, Jordon Barnes, and his great-nephew James, his little buddy.
Fred cherished his children's high school years, from football games to wrestling matches, never missing a moment. He served on the Nansemond River MMW Band executive board as Treasurer, ensuring over 100 students were fed and cared for each season-a role he loved deeply.
Fred leaves behind his loving wife, Robyn "Reese" Nixon; his children, Frederick III and Phylicia, and bonus son, Corey; his parents, Frederick Nixon Sr. (Fairfax, VA) and Mary Nixon (Portsmouth, VA); his sister, Sherri Nixon; his special cousin, Joseph Brown Jr. (Portsmouth, VA); brothers-in-law, Ronald Pitt (WV) and Daverin Simpson (Brooklyn, NY); and devoted sister-in-law, Celestina Johnson, Portsmouth, VA.
He is also survived by his childhood best friends-Marc Wright and Carl Whitehead-and dear friends Larry Diggs, Tim Jones, Desi Moore, Derrick Vaughn, Edward Woodis, Brenda Cooke, Letty Hawthorne, Talisha Thomas, Thomasine Flores, Tanya Hobbs, and Annette Lee, who stood by him until the end. Fred was loved by a large extended family and countless friends, along with his faithful dog, Rocko Bartholomew Nixon.
Fred was a true man in every sense of the word, living fully, loving deeply, and leaving behind a legacy of strength, humor, faith and love.
Viewing:
Tuesday. August 12, 2025
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
5605 Portsmouth Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA
Celebration of Life:
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
11:00 AM
First Baptist Church Taylorsville
2720 Turnpike Road
Portsmouth, VA
Laid to Rest:
Greenlawn Memorial Gardens
3920 Airline Boulevard
Chesapeake, VA