Robert Garland Nuckols

R. Garland Nuckols, age 71, died in his Louisa home on Friday, May 8, 2026. Anchored throughout his life by a strong Christian faith, he goes ahead of us now with the words he so loved: “I’ll meet you on the far side banks of Jordan.”

Garland is the son of the late Aubrey C. Nuckols, Jr. and Mary Kennon Nuckols. He is also predeceased by his brother A.C. Nuckols III and sister-in-law Linda Nuckols, his sister Diane Nuckols, and his son Jeremy Garland Nuckols. Surviving him is his wife Jackie, his beloved daughter Dana, her husband Marc, and his grandkids, the absolute joys of his life: Amanda (Colton), Bethany, Christina, Daniel, Sage and Elizabeth, all of Louisa. He is also survived by his brother Ashby Johnson Nuckols, sister-in-law Anita Nuckols, his aunt Barbara Sprouse, and his large and beloved extended family. A born and raised lifetime resident of Louisa County, Garland grew up working in his family’s lumber business, which taught him the value of hard work. He later found his fulfillment and calling in serving his neighbors- forming the rest of his life. His career in public safety spanned decades and crossed county lines. He served with the Louisa County Volunteer Rescue Squad (LCRS), and the Sheriff’s Offices of Louisa, Orange, and Fluvanna Counties, shaping emergency response for an entire region of central Virginia.

In 1979, Garland joined LCRS, beginning a chapter of his life that would become one of his greatest sources of pride. He served as Captain for five years, leading with the calm, steady presence that everyone came to count on. Over the years he mentored many dozens of individuals who went on to lives of service. His influence quietly spread through the region’s public safety community one person at a time. He also represented LCRS in the EMS Association of Louisa and Thomas Jefferson EMS Council, helping shape EMS policy in the region. As Director of Communications for the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, Garland built what may be his most enduring legacy: the Enhanced 911 system in Louisa County, and later in Fluvanna County, improving emergency response across the region. He championed the Certified Emergency Medical Dispatch program, training dispatchers to give lifesaving guidance in emergencies. Every time a dispatcher in this region has talked someone through CPR, guided a parent clearing an airway, or gotten first responders to the right address in the dark, Garland’s fingerprints are on that work. He first served on the Louisa Town Council, and then as Mayor, bringing his collaborative leadership to the town, strengthening infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and continuing to develop leaders who served long after him. At the end of his 14-year tenure, he wouldn’t leave office until he had finished making the town park accessible to every child. In February 2025, the Louisa County Board of Supervisors recognized him by resolution for his “extraordinary service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the community.”

Garland would have been the first to say that no title meant more to him than “Poppy.” His grandkids were his greatest joy, and he loved nothing more than to be surrounded by them. He poured into his family the same loyalty and strength he brought to his work. To those who knew him best he was a man who simply showed up: for his community, for his neighbors, for Johnson and Anita, for Jackie, for Dana and Marc, for his grandkids, and for anyone who called him Poppy.

A memorial service celebrating Garland’s life will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Community Church, 509 East Main Street, Louisa. Following the service, there will be a lunch at the Louisa County Volunteer Rescue Squad, 83 Rescue Lane, Louisa. We invite all who knew Garland to join us in honoring his memory. A private burial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to your favorite charity.