Nelson Bailey Horsley Sr.

Nelson Bailey Horsley, Sr., of Gloucester, VA, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025.
Born on June 30, 1933, in Gloucester, Nelson was raised at the family's Short Lane Country Store on Route 17. He began his life as a waterman, working between the Middle Peninsula, the Northern Neck, and Gloucester, Massachusetts. Nelson later retired from the Yorktown Naval Weapon Station.
Together with his beloved wife of 69 years, Isabell Horsley, Nelson founded IsaBell K. Horsley Real Estate.
Nelson lived life fully, with a love for sailing, tennis, golf, traveling, and, most of all, spending time with his family and friends. Nelson was a devoted Christian and a member of Ware Episcopal Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Helen Horsley, his nine siblings, and his devoted wife IsaBell.
Nelson is survived by his son, Nelson Bailey Horsley, Jr., and Dawn Knighton; granddaughter Katie Horsley Dew and her husband David E. Dew; grandson Nelson Bailey Horsley III and his wife Leigh Horsley; his grandson Christian Horsley; and his cherished great-grandchildren Leyton Dew, Izzy Dew, Fisher Horsley, and Riley Schimick; his great grand dogs, Arlene, Brooke and Banner.
A life well lived, Nelson leaves behind a legacy of family, love, and community that will be deeply treasured. He will be remembered as one of the kindest and most compassionate souls, someone who never met a stranger.
There will be a private family service at Currie Funeral Home on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
There will be a celebration of life for both Nelson and IsaBell Horsley at a future date and place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nelson and IsaBell Horsley's Memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation via their website (or by mail to 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001); or the River Counties Community Foundation, P.O. Box 54, White Stone, VA 22578.